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Pierre de Coubertin – the “father” of the modern Olympic Games – believed that sporting events in general and international sporting events in particular are important tools for the promotion of human rights: sport has a leading role to play in promoting an active world, international understanding in a spirit of mutual respect between people different backgrounds, ideologies and beliefs. None of the human rights declarations or covenants specifically mention sport.
However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stated in the Olympic Charter that “the exercise of sport is a human right. Everyone should be able to play sports without discrimination, in the spirit of the Olympic Movement, which implies mutual understanding in the spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.”
Participation in sports can promote human rights by fostering mutual interests and values and teaching the social skills needed for democratic citizenship. Sport strengthens social and cultural life by bringing individuals and communities together. Sport can help bridge differences and encourage dialogue and thereby eliminate prejudice, stereotypes, cultural differences, ignorance, intolerance and discrimination.
Sports are often used as a first step in reaching out to vulnerable and marginalized groups. Street football is being used in many urban areas to bring youth workers into contact with socially excluded young people.The World Homeless Championship is an international football championship in which the teams are made up entirely of homeless people. This event has been held annually since 2003. On the official website of this organization, we can read that “…a study of the impact of the World Championship for the Homeless in Copenhagen in 2007 again showed significant changes in the lives of players – 71% of players gave up drugs and alcohol, found a job, a home, received training, education , restored relations and all this while continuing to play football.
Athletes are often admired for their position, accomplishments, and sometimes their inspiring path to success. Many young people take their example in the fight for social justice and human rights. For example, Lilian Thuram is the most decorated player in the history of the French national football team and is known for his fight against racism and for youth. Eric Cantona is also a famous football player. He comes from a poor immigrant family and is well known for his work in support of the homeless.
The UN relies on a number of prominent figures from the worlds of art, music, film, literature and sports to draw attention to its work and advance the mission of this Organization. The following examples can be thought of: footballer Leo Messi, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador; tennis star Maria Sharapova, Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and singer Celine Dion, UNESCO Artist for Peace.
