The use of sport to combat racial discrimination and xenophobia from the perspective of human rights system

Abstract

In view of the great importance of sport, the United Nations Human Rights System has attempted to invest in various sporting activities in order to establish the values of peace and human rights in general and combating racism, discrimination and hatred in particular. The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (2001) urges States, in cooperation with intergovernmental organizations, the International Olympic Committee and international and regional sports federations, to intensify the fight against racism in sport by, among other things, educating the youth of the world through sport practised without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires human understanding, tolerance, fair play and solidarity. This study attempts to highlight the approach of the United Nations Human Rights System in dealing with the issue of combating hatred and racism through various sports activities. It try to answer the following question: How can discrimination, racism, intolerance and xenophobia be addressed through sports activity?