COMMENT: The Commonwealth Consensus Statement on Promoting Human Rights in and through Sport
Updated: Nov 13, 2020
equitysport welcomes the news that Commonwealth member countries have unanimously adopted a consensus statement on promoting human rights in and through sport.
The adoption of this statement is a long overdue acknowledgement of just how far we have to go to effectively wield the potential power and influence of sport for the greater good. At equitysport, we would like to echo the words of Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland who said:
“We can tend to see sport as a panacea for all ills but it is also an honest reflection of our societies, with both the perfections and imperfections.”
We welcome the commitments made by member States to protect human rights, safeguard the vulnerable, tackle discrimination and enshrine inclusiveness and equality as high priority components of sport policy through national action, regional cooperation and international collaboration.
Whilst equitysport fully acknowledges the independence of each member state in determining how they discharge these commitments, we implore the Commonwealth to prioritise the development of effective tools for monitoring and evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of such policies in keeping with the responsibilities member states have now vowed to uphold.
Tim Harper, Founder and Chief Executive at equitysport added:
“The positive economic, social and environmental impact of sport is only possible when sport lives up to its stated values and ideals. We at equitysport have long championed the need for coherent international policy and collective action to better protect global sport from the threats associated with its rapid globalisation.
With a sense of guarded optimism, we welcome the efforts of the Commonwealth to mainstream these important issues, and stand ready to collaborate and contribute to enhance policies and frameworks relevant to our mission and vision for a fairer, more equitable global sporting ecosystem.”
The Commonwealth Consensus Statement on Promoting Human Rights in and through Sport can be read in full HERE.
equitysport is a UK-registered charity (1189559) that exists to advance equality, diversity and equal opportunity in and through global sport. Through free-form development, education programmes and targeted advocacy the charity seeks an inclusive and equitable sporting ecosystem that lives up to the true values of sport.
Notes to Editors
For interviews or further comment, please contact the team via:
Tim Harper: Chief Executive: tim@equitysport.org
Grace Ramsay: Communications: grace@equitysport.org