Meeting in Bombay (India), the 141st Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved amendments to the Olympic Charter, demonstrating the strengthening of the body’s commitment to human rights.
Dbecause the room is spacious Jio World Center in Bombay, IOC members supported the inclusion of new wording in the Olympic Charter regarding a more sustainable human rights approach in all decisions and other strategic orientations of the Lausanne (Switzerland) institution.
The basic principles of the Olympic Games are of particular interest.
For the first principle, the new formulation – in bold – appears as follows:
- “Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in balance the qualities of body, will and mind. Combining sport with culture and education, Olympism aims to create a lifestyle based on the joy of endeavor, the educational value of good example, social responsibility and respect. internationally recognized human rights as well universal fundamental ethical principles within the framework of the attribution of the Olympic Movement“.
In the same spirit, the basic principles of the four Olympiads are reformulated as follows:
- “Practicing sports is a human right. Every individual definitely has an opportunity practice sport without discrimination of any kind, in connection with internationally recognized human rights within the framework of the Olympic Movement. The Olympic spirit requires mutual understanding, a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.”.
With these changes, the IOC shows its commitment to the preservation of human rights in the institution’s areas of activity, including the IOC’s three areas of responsibility, as an organization on the one hand, and as the owner of the Olympic Games in the world. on the one hand, and as a leader of the Olympic Movement on the other, taking into account the principles of equality and non-discrimination, security and well-being, decent living and work, as well as opinions and personal life.
As President Thomas Bach specifically stated:
This is a major step in our commitment to respect human rights in the Olympic Movement.
With this modification to the Olympic Charter, we are also sending a strong message to stakeholders.
This marks an important milestone in the IOC’s human rights efforts.
Beyond the basics, the 141st IOC Session also adopted new wording regarding Rule 40 – “Participation in the Olympics”.
IOC aligned de facto The Olympic Charter’s Guidelines relating to athlete expression, Rule 40 have sometimes been the subject of heated debate in recent years.
Additionally, this is now included in a formulation that maintains a framework delimited by institutions that:
- “2 – All participants, team officials or other team personnel participating in the Games will enjoy freedom of expression while respecting the Olympic values and basic principles of the Games, and in accordance with the Guidelines established by the IOC Executive Commission“.
The implementation of the above-mentioned amendments – is the result of the work of the IOC Legal Affairs Commission, and additional contributions from consultations with the Human Rights Advisory Committee based on recommendation 13 of this Agreement.Agenda 2020+5 – took place on the same day as the presentation of the Advisory Committee’s first report.
Comprising ten members, including independent external experts and four IOC members, including two athletes, the Committee took advantage of the holding of its 141st Session to inform the member Olympic bodies of the progress achieved since its adoption by the Executive. The IOC Commission’s strategic framework relating to human rights.
Speaking at the podium on behalf of the Committee President, Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka, Seree Nonthasoot, welcomed the IOC’s commitment to strengthening sports protection at the local level, as well as improvements in the prevention and treatment of cases of abuse.
Likewise, the Advisory Committee also congratulated the IOC on its framework relating to equality, inclusion and non-discrimination based on gender identity and intersex, further encouraging the agency to continue its efforts with other components of the Olympic Movement, including the International Conference on International Relations. Federation.
The Committee can also appreciate the efforts made by the IOC to strengthen considerations regarding human rights in the context of the selection of Future Hosts.
If this special effort is still to be carried out fully taking into account the current candidates for future Olympic events and with a view to awarding future editions of the Games, the Advisory Committee notes that the Paris 2024 Olympics will be the first edition to integrate it. human rights into all aspects of the organization and conduct of global events, marking a particular turning point.
Regarding the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, the Committee today asked the IOC to consider the recommendations of the UN special rapporteur on cultural rights, Alexandra neutral flag.
