European Athletics commitment to integrate human rights into its operations, regulations and bidding process took another significant step forward on Monday (29) and Tuesday (30).
The Centre for Sport and Human Rights (CSHR) delivered a training session to staff and members of the Evaluation Panel at the European Athletics offices in Lausanne, Switzerland.
In April 2023, the European Athletics Congress in Belgrade approved the report of the European Athletics Council to investigate how human rights requirements should be integrated in the bidding process and regulations of European Athletics events, in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), and throughout the event lifecycle.
European Athletics has published its Commitment to Human Rights, which was confirmed at the European Athletics Council meeting in Malaga, earlier in January.
Monday’s programme included an overview of CSHR, an introduction to human rights, how human rights apply to sport, human rights considerations within the event cycle, how to manage human rights and practical examples.
During the training session with members of the Evaluation Panel which took place on Tuesday (30) focus was more on how human rights requirements should be included into the bidding process and event life cycle for any organiser seeking to host a European Athletics event.
Unwavering dedication
“Thanks to the representatives of the CSHR for their efforts and guidelines in raising awareness about this vital and complex subject within the European Athletics staff and our members of the Evaluation panel,” said European Athletics CEO Christian Milz.
“It is within our shared commitment and unwavering dedication that we strive to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for every participant in our events throughout event cycle, from bidding process until delivery of the event.”