About the Statement:

The Union Association for Human Rights, represented by Board Member Mr. Salam Mohammed, delivered an oral statement before the UN Human Rights Council during its 58th session under Item 5, which addresses combating racism, racial discrimination, and xenophobia. The statement emphasized the importance of uniting international efforts to eradicate all forms of discrimination in sports, highlighting the UAE’s pioneering role in promoting tolerance and coexistence through sports practices and related international initiatives.

Content of the Statement:

• Commending the efforts of the Council and OHCHR: The statement expressed deep appreciation for the role of the Human Rights Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in ensuring that sports remain free from discrimination, racism, and hate speech.
• Call to activate international mechanisms: The statement urged:
  • Activation of UN tools specialized in combating racial discrimination in all sports events.
  • Promotion of humanitarian principles in sports as a means of fostering understanding among nations.
  • Adoption of concrete measures to ensure equality within sports environments.
  • Clear condemnation of all racist and discriminatory practices.
• Commending the UAE’s experience: The statement highlighted the UAE’s initiatives, including:
  • National efforts to combat discrimination and hate speech both inside and outside the sports sector.
  • Promoting the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence as part of domestic and foreign policy.
  • The international initiative launched by the UAE at the UN General Assembly on “Crime Prevention and Sustainable Development through Sports,” reaffirming that sports are an effective tool for enhancing understanding among people, regardless of ethnic or religious backgrounds.

Importance of the Statement:

• Strengthening the link between sports and human rights: The statement stressed the importance of positioning sports as a tool for justice and equality, not as a platform for discrimination or marginalization.
• Contributing to shaping fair international approaches in sports: By calling for the activation of UN mechanisms, the statement supports global efforts to eliminate racism from sports.
• Highlighting the UAE’s leadership in this field: The statement demonstrated the UAE’s commitment to a humanitarian and ethical role in making sports a bridge for dialogue and cultural exchange, particularly through its diplomatic initiatives at the UN.
• Promoting anti-hate and anti-extremism discourse: By affirming the role of sports in spreading a culture of peace and mutual respect, the statement reinforces the need to adopt inclusive humanitarian values across all sporting arenas.