Curtain Raiser: NHRC to hold one-day Open House Discussion on “Sports and Human Rights” in Patiala on 16th October, 2023 in collaboration with the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports

PressRelease

NationalHumanRightsCommission

NewDelhi,12thOctober,2023

Curtain Raiser: NHRC to hold one-day Open House Discussion on “Sports and Human Rights” in Patiala on 16th October, 2023 in collaboration with the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India is organising a one-day open house discussion on Human Rights and Sports in collaboration with the NetajiSubhas National Institute of Sports, Patialaon 16th October, 2023.

The intersection of human rights and sports is a multifaceted and dynamic area of concern that extends beyond the boundaries of athletic competition. While sports have the potential to promote fundamental human rights values such as equality, non-discrimination, and inclusivity, they are also marked by various challenges and complexities that demand thoughtful consideration.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has always played a pivotal role in safeguarding and promoting human rights in various aspects of life, including the realm of sports. The NHRC also raises awareness, monitors compliance with human rights standards, and advocates for policies and reforms that promote gender equality and protection from abuse in sports, contributing to a more equitable and respectful sports environment.

There will be two agendas for the Open House Discussion. The first session is on ‘Addressing Sexual Harassment in Sports: The Preventive Role of Sports Federations in India’.Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue that affects individuals in various spheres of life, including the world of sports. Athletes, coaches, and support staff in India and around the world have faced instances of sexual harassment, leading to severe physical and psychological consequences. To combat this problem, it is crucial for sports federations in India and Governments to take preventive measures and create a safe environment for everyone involved in sports.

The second session is on “Fair Selection in Sports: Right for all to appear in selection process”. Fair selection is a fundamental principle in sports that ensures that athletes are chosen based on merit and not subject to discrimination, bias, or favouritism. The right for all athletes to participate in the selection process is not only a moral imperative but also a legal obligation in many sports organizations. There is a need to delve into the importance of fair selection in sports and the principles that underpin it. There should be equal opportunity in the selection process, which will guarantee all eligible athletes a fair chance, and it will eliminate all the barriers based on gender, religion, caste, race, age, disability, or any other characteristic.

The open house discussion will be chaired by Dr DyaneshwarManoharMulay, Member, NHRC. Joint Secretary, ShriDevendra Kumar Nim and other officials of the NHRC will attend the conference.The participants in the Open House Discussion will include representatives from Sports Authority of India (SAI), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Athletes, Representatives from Sports Federations, Coaches and other domain experts from academia.

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