Published on: 2026-07-02
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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July 2, 2026 Human Rights
Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance remain widespread at all levels in sports. This was stated by the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, Ashwini K.P., while presenting her new report on this topic to the UN Human Rights Council.
“Sport has enormous potential to promote inclusivity, equality, and social cohesion. However, it continues to reflect and reproduce manifestations of systemic racism and racial discrimination that exist in society,” emphasized the expert.
The report notes that poverty, armed conflicts, discriminatory rules, and insufficient representation of certain population groups create serious obstacles for the participation in sports of members of racial and ethnic minorities.
“Access to sports still remains unequal. Socio-economic inequality, often rooted in historically established and systemic racism, continues to disproportionately affect marginalized groups,” stated the Special Rapporteur.
Discrimination in athlete selection
According to her, particularly concerning are the discriminatory criteria for competition admission, which often affect athletes from racially and ethnically marginalized groups. Moreover, persistent stereotypes impact the identification of sports talents, training and selection of athletes, as well as their perception by society.
Language of hostility in sports
The report also mentions ongoing cases of racist insults and the use of hate speech targeting athletes and fans both online and offline.
The Special Rapporteur called on states to ensure equal access to sports, ban all forms of discrimination, combat hate speech more effectively, and hold perpetrators accountable. She also recommended that sports organizations, the private sector, and civil society strengthen inclusive governance, increase the representation of diverse groups, and create a safe environment that respects the rights of all participants, including transgender people and intersex women.
“For sport to truly become a space where equality exists, long-term political will, joint efforts, and readiness to eliminate historically entrenched forms of discrimination are necessary. Only by overcoming the legacy of alienation and inequality can sport fully become a force that promotes dignity, justice, inclusivity, and positive social change,” emphasized the expert.
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