Stronger Protection of Human Rights in the Context of Mega Sporting Events

As adopted by the Congress Plenary

At the initiative of: the International Federation of Liberal Youth

The Congress of the Liberal International, convened in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, on 26 April 2014

Noting that

Over the last years, cases of serious infringements of basic rights have been reported in connection to several mega sporting events (“MSEs”).
The Winter Olympics of 2014 took place in Sochi, Russia, in February, and the World Cup Football will be arranged in Brazil, which is also hosting the 2016 Olympics. The FIFA World Cup will be arranged in Russia in 2018, followed by Qatar in 2022.
NGO’s such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty and several newspapers have addressed allegations of grave infringements on the rights of migrant workers, LGBT+-persons, forced evictions, the right to free assembly, and environmental issues in relation to the Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia.
For the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, cases of forced evictions, poor working conditions and deaths among workers, as well as discrimination have been reported.

Considering that

MSEs are more than “just sports”, as they may attract investments and create jobs, develop areas, improve infrastructure and services, boost tourism and improvements in public attitudes towards disabilities and participation in sports have been reported in relation to MSEs. However, these changes may weaken the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms if not subjected to any regulations or monitoring mechanisms ensuring human rights standards are met.
Promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms are often listed among the aims and purposes of MSEs. For instance, The International Olympic Committee speaks of having a “mission to spark social change through sport”.

Taking into account that

In 2012, a communiqué on human rights was agreed upon by Brazil, Russia, South Korea and the United Kingdom in relation to the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic games, including the role of businesses.

Recognizing that

While MSEs should and cannot be held responsible for all problems in hosting states, the organizing bodies should require certain responsibilities of hosting governments.

Calls upon the organizing bodies of MSEs to set up stricter requirements on hosting governments in ensuring human rights and freedoms are respected in the whole process of arranging the events, including corporate responsibility for sponsors involved.

Calls upon the organizing bodies and the international community to take action when systematic violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms are detected in relation to MSEs.