On Tuesday 12th March 2024, we hosted an inspiring Sports & Human Rights workshop, bringing together over 200 secondary school sports students. The workshop aimed to explore the intricate ways in which the sports industry intersects with human rights issues and to highlight the role that sport plays in promoting human rights within society.
The workshop was built upon the substantial progress made in Northern Ireland in recent years. A pivotal moment in this journey was the launch of the Declaration on Sport and Human Rights in Belfast in 2019, accompanied by the creation of a local Forum for Sport and Human Rights. This Declaration addresses critical issues affecting the sporting community and emphasises the importance of active engagement with young people. The workshop’s engagement with students embodies the principles laid out in the Declaration, which has been endorsed by key sporting bodies such as the Irish Football Association (IFA), Ulster GAA, and Ulster Rugby.
The workshop focused on four areas:
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Students explored how sports can contribute to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Highlighted how sports initiatives can promote health, education, and equality, and can adopt sustainable practices to protect the environment.
- Sportswashing: Where entities use sports to improve reputations tarnished by human rights abuses. Students engaged in debates about ethical considerations and the responsibilities of athletes, fans, and sports organizations in addressing and combating sports washing.
- The Business of Sport: This segment delved into the commercial aspects of sports, including sponsorship, media rights, and kit suppliers. Discussing how the business of sport can both positively and negatively impact human rights, and the importance of ethical business practices in the sports industry.
- Gender Equality in Sport: Gender equality remains a pressing issue in sports. The workshop addressed barriers faced by female athletes and explored initiatives to promote gender equality. Discussions included the importance of equal opportunities, and representation.
By involving over 200 students in these discussions, the workshops aimed to empower the next generation of athletes, fans and leaders. The workshop was a testament to the power of education and engagement in fostering a more just and equitable sporting world. As we look back on this successful event, it’s clear that the commitment to integrating human rights into sports is stronger than ever.
A significant highlight of the workshop was the commitment to promoting human rights from Saint Catherine’s College Armagh and Regent House School Belfast, both of which signed the Declaration on Sport and Human Rights following the event. Meaning both schools have pledged to promote human rights, equality, participation, accessibility, procurement and good governance on Sport and Human Rights.