The protection of human rights at sporting events was the focus of discussion during the Council of Ministers of Youth and Sport in Brussels.
Ministers of EU countries, including Bulgarian Minister of Youth and Sports Vesela Lecheva, discussed how member states can strengthen international sports organizations to strengthen respect for human rights and openness and transparency in the awarding and holding of international sports competitions.
“The topic of the protection of human rights in the organization of international sports events comes to the agenda against in complicated times for Europe. The European sports model is based on values that we must preserve. The role of the member countries is to take specific actions in the direction of encouraging sports organizations to respect fundamental rights when awarding and holding international sports competitions. The implementation of good governance in international sports organizations is seen as key to dealing with corruption risks, which in turn pave the way for major sports events to be held on the territory of countries where respect for human rights is neglected,” said Minister Lecheva.
“It is also essential to put into action already established mechanisms that favor the deployment of the potential of sport to fight against racism, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination.” The establishment of various platforms for international cooperation in the context of the protection of human rights between our governments and other stakeholders has the potential to improve the rules for commissioning and hosting major sporting events,” she added.
