18/07/2024 | Writer: Kaos GL
Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights spoke at EuroGames, which has been taking place in Vienna between 17-20 July. Türk drew attention to the increase in violence against LGBTIQ+ persons in Europe in the last five years.
Türk stated that EuroGames are vital, offering a safe space for athletes and fans, from all walks of life. Remarking that these games are essential in terms of empowering LGBTIQ+ people to embrace their true selves and to engage equally in the world of sport Türk said the following:
“Many more spaces like this are needed. In sport – as in other areas – we still see far too much hate, discrimination and exclusion directed at LGBTIQ+ people. Around the world – including in Europe – anti-LGBTIQ+ narratives alarmingly are increasing, seeking to roll back progress on human rights and gender equality, and attempts to ban information about and discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity. Violence against LGBTIQ+ people has increased in Europe in the past five years. According to some studies, fewer than one in five people report that they feel able to report such attacks to authorities.”
Underlining that decriminalisation of consensual same-sex relationships has picked up speed globally, Türk said:
“More and more States, including in Europe, are banning discrimination, combatting hate crimes, recognizing gender identities based on self-identification, ensuring marriage equality, and prohibiting so-called “conversion therapy” and harmful practices against intersex children. In the world of sport, more federations and events are adopting human rights policies. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) framework on Fairness, Inclusion and Non-discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sex variations is a welcome step.”
“Sports federations must ‘walk the talk’ of zero tolerance”
Türk highlighted that there is still a long way to go to ensure full respect for human rights in sport and continued as follows:
“The main responsibility lies with States: fully and proactively to address these issues, to ensure victims can access remedies, and to prevent further violations. But others, too, have an important role to play. Sports federations must ‘walk the talk’ of zero tolerance – too many of them still have discriminatory policies in place, so we need to see stronger efforts in that regard, to implement the IOC framework in line with human rights standards, and by addressing acts of discrimination when they occur. Also, coaches, clubs, and athletes and educators should do everything they can to ensure sport is open to everyone, at all levels – including in schools, community, amateur and professional sport.”
About EuroGames
Around 4,000 LGBT athletes from all over the world will compete for medals in some 35 sports in Vienna between July 17 and 20, 2024. Vienna is hosting the EuroGames for the very first time. Its motto is “Embrace Diversity.” The innovation of these games is the aim of reducing male dominance in sport.
Tags: human rights
