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The International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Strategic Framework on Human Rights was approved today by the IOC Executive Board (EB). The Framework will fundamentally shape the working practices of the IOC, the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement, ensuring that human rights are respected within their respective remits.
In line with Olympic Agenda 2020+5, the IOC Strategic Framework on Human Rights covers and provides specific action plans for each of the IOC’s three spheres of activity: the IOC as an organisation, as owner of the Olympic Games, and as leader of the Olympic Movement.
This new strengthened approach will inform processes and decisions related to the IOC administration and supply chain, the selection of future Olympic Games hosts and the delivery of the Olympic Games, as well as athletes’ representation, and safe and inclusive sport.
The Framework builds on the work undertaken over the last few years by the IOC to address human rights questions within the scope of its responsibility, and recent recommendations from experts. It expands on the key principles that were presented to the 139th IOC Session on 4 May 2022.
The Framework builds on the recommendations produced in March 2020 by Prince Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, former United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Rachel Davis, Vice-President and Co-Founder of Shift, the centre of expertise on the UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).Key outcomes of this consultation with experts were to date the establishment of an IOC Human Rights Unit in March 2021 and the release of the IOC Framework on Fairness, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity and Sex Variations in November 2021.
“The overarching mission of the Olympic Movement is to contribute through sport to a better world. Human rights are in fact firmly anchored in the Olympic Charter. We will be strengthening this even further in the future. Our mission, to put sport at the service of humankind, therefore goes hand-in-hand with human rights,” IOC President Thomas Bach said. He continued: “I want to thank Prince Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein and Rachel Davis for their work. They built the basis for this Strategic Framework on Human Rights for the Olympic Movement.”
Welcoming the IOC’s announcement, Prince Zeid and Rachel Davis said: “Shift welcomes the IOC’s public commitment to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, announced today in its new Strategic Framework on Human Rights. This is a significant step for the organisation, and it also sets an important precedent for all sports bodies across the Olympic Movement. As the organisation moves forward, new approaches will be needed to effectively address some of the most severe impacts facing athletes today, including harassment and abuse, voice and representation, and the need for greater access to remedy – informed by the perspectives of those directly affected. We look forward to working alongside other stakeholders to support the IOC to meet its responsibility to respect human rights in practice.”
Clear objectives and timeframe
With the approval of the Strategic Framework on Human Rights, the IOC ensures that people’s rights are put at the core of its operations and are respected in line with international agreements and standards – within its remit.
To achieve this, the IOC has defined strategic intents for 2030 for each of its spheres of responsibility:
- IOC as an organisation: The IOC is continuously advancing respect for human rights across its operations, through enhanced policies and practices.
- IOC as owner of the Olympic Games: The IOC is driving human rights best practices in the selection of Future Olympic Games Hosts, and in the organisation and delivery of the Olympic Games, working together with the Organising Committees, within their remit, and providing them with clear requirements and supporting tools.
- IOC as leader of the Olympic Movement: The IOC is accelerating the adoption, by National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and International Federations (IFs), of proactive measures on human-rights related challenges.
All three strategic intents will be carried out in alignment with the UNGPs, which are the standard of reference for the IOC Strategic Framework on Human Rights. They are already widely embraced by many stakeholders inside and outside the Olympic Movement, including sports governing bodies and Olympic Partners, and are already referenced in several key IOC documents, including the Olympic Host contracts, the IOC Supplier Code and contractual agreements with commercial partners.
Sixteen objectives for 2024
As a first step towards meeting these strategic intents, the IOC has identified 16 objectives to be implemented by 2024, including:
- the amendment of the Olympic Charter and the “Basic Universal Principles of Good Governance” of the Olympic and Sports Movement in order to better articulate human rights responsibilities; and
- the set-up of the IOC Human Rights Advisory Committee, which will provide strategic advice to the IOC and advise on human rights risk management. The composition of the Committee is due to be announced in the coming weeks, with a newly-appointed Chair and members.
These first objectives will contribute towards the IOC’s longer-term strategy and address the most pressing risks that have been identified.
A long-term commitment to lead by example
The IOC’s commitment to improving the promotion and respect of human rights within its remit is long-standing, and its foundations can be found within the Olympic Charter.
Dedicated attention to human rights was strengthened with the adoption of Olympic Agenda 2020 in December 2014, and the premise of the IOC Strategic Framework on Human Rights was Recommendation 13 of Olympic Agenda 2020+5, which highlights what is expected in terms of the IOC’s environmental and social responsibility.
In recent years, important work has been carried out in a number of areas, such as inclusion, gender equality and safe sport, sustainability in all its dimensions, the integration of media freedom safeguarding provisions in the Host Contract, and Olympic Solidarity measures and social development through sport activities.
The IOC also established a Human Rights Unit in March 2021 and released the IOC Framework on Fairness, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity and Sex Variations in November 2021.
he Women’s Sports Alliance and Halfspace teamed up again for the second instalment of the Athlete Advancement Series (AAS) last month.
Here’s what a host of industry leaders, experts, game-changing athletes, coaches, administrators and officials made of this fascinating day of discussion.
Stockport parents have praised a summer camp hosted by Life Leisure which provides children with healthy meals and fun activities during the holidays.
Each year the Stockport leisure provider runs special summer camps at Brinnington Park, Avondale, Dialstone and Stockport Sports Village, as part of the Department of Education’s Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme to provide healthy food and enriching activities to all children.
Among around a hundred youngsters taking part were siblings Chloe, 11, Isla, eight, and five-year-old Leo, who return to the camp each year. Their dad Dave Needham, who works full time, said it’s a fantastic resource for all families in Stockport.
He said: “Its brilliant. Our kids have been coming a few years now and it’s something they always look forward to. It’s an outlet for them to go and play, enjoy themselves and make new friends.
“The staff are amazing – they have great patience. I think it takes a special kind of someone to look after kids and keep coming up with new ideas to keep them entertained and in line!”
Dave, who lives in Offerton, added: “Lots of parents have to go out and work over the summer holidays so it’s reassuring to know that their children are safe and being fed, and that you don’t have to worry about them. For a lot of parents, it takes away the burden of finding things for them to do, and of sourcing childcare.”
Children and young people who are entitled to benefits-related free school meals were prioritised for places on the camps which hosted more than 2,000 sessions over the Summer. Funded places were also awarded to children and young people from disadvantaged areas, classed as vulnerable, and those with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities.
Almost 200 children took part in the sessions run by Life Leisure’s Active Communities Team, with qualified coaches Ethan Pietkiewicz, Mason Barry and Bethany Platt coming up with a range of activities.
The summer events also included a specific camp aimed at children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Ross McGuigan, Active Communities Manager from Life Leisure, said: “With the rise in the cost of living and more financial pressure on families than ever before, these camps have been a lifeline for lots of families in the area.
“Staff at Life Leisure look forward to the HAF camps as much as the children! It’s part of our role to show children how being active is fun, and working with so many children over the summer holidays really does make us feel proud. We already can’t wait for next year!”
The camps were support by Cracking Good Food, who supplied the meals, together with the Manchester United Foundation and Stockport County Community Foundation, who supported the activities alongside Life Leisure’s Activity Communities Team.
For more information about Life Leisure go to https://www.lifeleisure.net/.
It’s a Penaltyhas completed its thirteenth global campaign for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, focused on harnessing the power of sport to prevent abuse, exploitation and human trafficking. It’s a Penalty‘s first UK-hosted campaign is dedicated to educating sports fans and the general public, about modern slavery, what it looks like and how to access help. Through an athlete ambassador campaign video, posters and training – the public and those working around the Games, were encouraged to look out for the signs and report anyone who looks like they are being exploited.
Speaking at a recent event to discuss the issues, Geoff Thompson MBE, Deputy Chair, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Organising Committee Board, highlights why this campaign is so important: “We always think human trafficking and modern slavery is someone else’s responsibility. It’s every single human being’s responsibility. It’s a Penalty’s work is critical in addressing the ongoing human global trafficking and in particular, young people. Trafficking is the second1 biggest income generation in this country, to drugs. That’s why I believe this campaign is vital: if the sportsmen and women from the streets can highlight an issue of the streets at major world sporting events, such as the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, we can begin to see an international effort to break this cycle and improve lives.”
The event, hosted at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole, brought together key NGOs and organisations working in the West Midlands, with sessions highlighting local and grassroots efforts to combat human trafficking delivered by representatives from Missing People, the UN Global Compact Network, Unseen, Birmingham Children’s Trust, West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network, WM Violence Reduction Unit Partnership, the Adavu Project, and West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner, plus travel partners: Emirates, Airbnb and Hilton.
“As a matter of urgency, we need to strengthen the prevention and elimination of forced labour, modern slavery, exploitation and trafficking of persons and the protection of the most vulnerable in society, especially children, in all the countries of our Commonwealth. It’s a Penalty and its partners are proud to have spearheaded this Birmingham campaign in the run up to and during the 2022 Commonwealth Games, as one of the projects that is part of the United by Birmingham 2022 programme. Using the power of sport, everyone can play their part – from star athletes to members of the public, and from the travel and tourism and wider business sector to voluntary and faith organisations – all contributing to a positive legacy in the host city of Birmingham and beyond,” said Sarah de Carvalho, CEO, It’s a Penalty.
To celebrate an incredible week for women’s sport enjoy seven new episodes of The Game Changers podcast – The perfect summer listening.
Hear from trailblazing women in sport as they talk about their fascinating careers, how they’ve dealt with tough challenges & explore key issues for equality in sport & beyond.
You can find The Game Changers on all the usual podcast platforms, or listen directly from the links below. Learn more about all 92 of our extraordinary guests (& listen to previous episodes) on the Fearless Women website.
Finally, huge thanks to Sport England who back the podcast through a National Lottery award.
ALICE DEARING
The first black woman to swim for Great Britain at an Olympic Games, & co-founder of the Black Swimming Association, Alice talks about what more can be done to break down barriers for African, Caribbean and Asian communities in aquatics.
MEGHAN MACLAREN
Much respected professional golfer, Meghan considers why the pay, coverage and opportunities for female golfers are still so far behind the men’s and what’s changing now.
ALI DONNELLY
An Executive Director at Sport England and author of the new book ‘Scrum Queens’, Ali considers the current state of play for women’s rugby how we can all play a part in the drive for equality in sport.
RADHA BALANI
Managing Director of Think Beyond, Radha explores how sport can transform the lives of women and girls across the world.
SOPHIE CARRIGILL
British wheelchair basketball player Sophie shares her extraordinary story and we consider how sport can challenge perceptions for all women with disabilities.
FIONA MORGAN
SailGP’s Director of Purpose and Impact, explores the power of sport to drive wellbeing and to ensure a better world for all.
JODIE CUNNINGHAM
St Helens and England Rugby League star, named Woman of Steel in 2021, Jodie considers the future growth of the women’s game & the impact of this autumn’s home World Cup.
Two programmes set up by Life Leisure to get the community moving have been named finalists at a national awards ceremony.
Life Leisure, which manages 11 sports and leisure facilities in and around Stockport, was hailed at the ukactive awards for the work it does to encourage the wider community to keep active.
It was highly commended for the Generation Active Award for its R Time project, which was developed to support Stockport’s most vulnerable youngsters by helping to reduce anti-social behaviour, improve mental and physical well-being and to combat holiday hunger.
And it’s Brinnington Maps scheme, which saw Life Leisure work with the community to provide a visual guide for residents to encourage them to explore the area more, was shortlisted for the Activation Award.
Speaking about the nominations, John Oxley, interim CEO of Life Leisure, said: “We are thrilled that these two very worthwhile programmes have been recognised in this way.
“Our staff work extremely hard to ensure there is something for everyone who wants to be active, not just those who take part in traditional activities within our leisure centres.
“R-Time has been a real success story with a number of our youngsters becoming leaders of the sessions. Our local community have also responded really well to the maps we have created for Brinnington – many people have told us how it’s prompted them to get out and about on foot more and how families have enjoyed using the maps to explore their local area.”
R Time sessions welcome more than 60 young people each week, with 36 young volunteers and mentors currently accessing Life Leisure’s free training and support programmes.
The Brinnington Maps, which are available online or on display at First House on Brinnington Road and funded by Sport England, are designed to provide a visual guide for residents to encourage them to explore the area more. The first map includes local landmarks, the second highlights walking routes and ways to keep active, and the third is a historical map of old buildings and landmarks in Brinnington.
ukactive exists to improve the health of the nation by getting more people, more active, more often. It’s awards event – held in Birmingham on June 30 – aims to celebrate the work the fitness industry does to support their mission.
With pictures:
- Life Leisure staff at the UK Active Awards Evening
- Resident Mark Mitchell checks out the Brinnington Maps
For more information about Life Leisure’s programmes go to https://www.lifeleisure.net/.
For more about the awards visit: https://www.ukactive.com/
Team GB athletes including double gold medallist Lizzy Yarnold and Anyika Onuora will be digging out their PE kit to get involved in this year’s National School Sport Week (20-26 June 2022).
In a year marking the ten-year anniversary of London 2012, Team GB will be joining forces with children’s charity the Youth Sport Trust for its annual awareness campaign National School Sport Week. A programme of activities will highlight the role of school sport in helping children feel a sense of belonging and in maintaining young people’s physical and mental health.
National School Sport Week celebrations also coincide with Olympic Day (23 June), an annual event to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games in 1894 celebrated by millions of people in more than 160 countries. This year, Team GB will be motivating the nation to move together on 23 June in support of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s theme of peace. From playing football in the park to running together with friends for a cause, Team GB stars will be encouraging their own communities to get involved with a series of visits planned in schools around the country.
Kicking off the week on Monday 20 June, former relay World Champion and Beijing 2008 medallist Anyika Onuora, Mountain Bike World Cup winner Grant Ferguson, current 63kg European Judo Champion Gemma Howell and Aaron Phipps MBE, British wheelchair rugby player and gold medal-winning Paralympian, will all head to a primary school in Sutton Coldfield to take part in a school sports day event. Pupils aged between 10 and 12 will run a series of activities to put the athletes, teachers, and charity staff through their paces in a range of disciplines, from javelin to the hotly contested egg and spoon race, before sharing their own stories with the children around how they have benefited from being involved in sport.
On Olympic Day, double Olympic skeleton champion Lizzy Yarnold will visit a primary school in Christchurch to take part in workshops around the theme of belonging, while Sarah Jones, who won bronze with Team GB hockey in Tokyo, will do the same at a primary school in Liverpool.
Elsewhere, Sam Oldham, part of the bronze medal-winning men’s gymnastics team at London 2012, will return to Nottingham, former World Indoor and European champion sprinter Richard Kilty will visit a primary school in Hartlepool, and 2014 bobsleigh medallist Joel Fearon will be meeting pupils in Peterborough.
Andy Anson, CEO of the British Olympic Association, said, “We are delighted to be partnering with the Youth Sport Trust on this fun initiative. An important part of our remit is to bring together and inspire the nation through the power of Olympic sport, and inspiring young people to develop and maintain an active lifestyle is a vital element. It will be great to see our athletes sharing their stories and encouraging the next generation to reap the benefits of involvement in sport at every level.”
Alison Oliver MBE, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, said, “National School Sport Week is back, and we are excited to be joining forces with Team GB this year to help raise awareness of the vital importance of physical education and school sport in the education and development of all children. Together the partnership will bring together Team GB athletes as inspiring changemakers who will bring to life the role of play and sport in rebuilding health, happiness and belonging in schools, communities, and homes around the country.
“After the huge disruption of the past two years, the inequalities in young people’s health and activity levels have increased. We know unhealthy, unhappy children don’t learn and as a result we don’t have a society fit for the future. We want every child to have fun, move more and develop healthy habits this National School Sport Week.”
WSA founder Jordan Guard and commercial advisor Phil Benton have been selected as judges for the prestigious 2022 BUCS Awards in July.
The British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) organisation has been at the forefront of world-class higher education sport for over a century.
Their annual awards feature 12 categories which acknowledge a range of sport-related achievements; including, but not limited to, athletic performances, coaching successes, digital engagement and the championing of diversity and inclusion.
“I’m delighted to sit on the judging panel for the 2022 BUCS Awards,” says WSA founder and former University of Bath footballer Guard.
“After competing in the top BUCS leagues throughout my time on the University of Bath Women’s Football team, I understand, first hand, how the organisation can shape a student-athlete’s life.
“BUCS is the reason that Wednesday is still my favourite day of the week and I’m thrilled to be able to give back, in helping them to recognise and champion elite talent.”
Benton, who is also a keen hockey player and joined the WSA following 25 years of high-profile work with adidas, said that he was “honoured” to join the panel with Guard.
“I have seen at first hand through family members, the sport I play, as well as the working and sporting environment I have been exposed to, how BUCS has enhanced lives by enabling people in higher education to reach their potential.
“Be it through participating or volunteering, encouraging high-level competition within higher education or supporting social / recreational sport, BUCS is the most active University community in the world and I am very pleased to be in a small way supporting that.”
Guard added; “It’s great to also be sat on the panel, representing the Women’s Sports Alliance along side Sky Sports, The Times and England Netball representatives.”
The pair join 25 other judges in a panel which consists of athletes, journalists, administrators and industry leaders who will analyse the strength of the nominees before delivering their final verdicts.
Nominations for the 2022 Awards are now open and will close on 19 May.
The 2022 award ceremony will take place on 6 July at BUCS Conference. You can find out more information about the event, as well as the full awards list, via BUCS official website.
The town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye will host Team GB athletes in the run-up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, after the city agreed a partnership with the British Olympic Association.
The official Preparation Camp signing activity took place today (28 April, 2022) with BOA Chair, Sir Hugh Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Andy Anson, and Mayor of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Arnaud Pericard, all in attendance.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic weightlifting silver medalist, Emily Campbell, also joined the Team GB delegation in Saint-Germain-en-Laye and was able to get an early look at the facilities she will hope to use for pre-Games training in just over two years’ time.
Chosen for its world-leading venues, the town is well-known, not only for its history as a royal seat and its exceptional natural surroundings, but also as the birthplace and base of the Paris-Saint-Germain football club.
Team GB athletes from athletics, football, hockey, rugby sevens and weightlifting will use facilities in the town, including the Georges-Lefèvre Stadium sports complex, with its soon-to-be renovated athletics track.
The signing took place at the town hall following a tour of Camp de Loges – the current training ground of Paris Saint-Germain Football Club.
Ideally located just a short journey away from the Olympic Village in Saint-Denis, Camp de Loges, Stade Municipal Georges Lefèvre and the Piscine Le Dome Saint Germain are all best-in-class facilities for international athletes.
Arnaud Pericard, Mayor of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, said: “Saint-Germain-en-Laye has been chosen by Team GB, one of the top Olympic delegations, thanks to its top-quality sporting installations, proximity to Paris, and the quality of life it offers. The younger generation of Saint-Germain citizens, generation 2024, will be able to observe top-level athletes up close, talk to them and undoubtedly make progress in their sporting discipline.”
Sir Hugh Robertson said: “It is a great pleasure to be here in Saint-Germain-en-Laye to announce our Preparation Camp for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. We are looking forward to a close working relationship with all of our local partners and friends here in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, as we start to finalise our plans for the Games in 2024.”
Andy Anson added: “We believe we have found the best possible environment for our athletes to prepare in for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and I’d personally like to thank our friends in Saint-Germain-en-Laye for their commitment to understanding and meeting our needs.
“From our experience in Tokyo, we know the value in providing world-class training venues for our athletes and, once again, being so close to the Olympic Village and Paris itself will be a real performance advantage come Games-time.”
The agreement includes a commitment by all parties to create a programme for exchanging cultural experiences and expertise to help ensure a lasting legacy of international sporting presence for the region.