With the 144th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session approaching in March 2025, candidates vying for the presidency are facing increased scrutiny over their dedication to human rights and good governance.
A new report from the Sport & Rights Alliance highlights significant gaps in the candidates’ platforms, raising concerns about the future direction of the Olympic Movement.
The Sport & Rights Alliance, a coalition of leading human rights organizations, analyzed the formal written manifestos of the seven candidates and conducted direct outreach.
Their findings reveal a concerning lack of comprehensive engagement with human rights issues.
“The International Olympic Committee affects the lives of millions of athletes, workers, fans, journalists and communities worldwide,” stated Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch. “It is essential for candidates who want to oversee global sport to make clear that they will uphold the IOC’s human rights framework, commitments and responsibilities, and commit to meeting with stakeholders and operating with transparency and good governance.”
“Given that this is the first time a new president will be elected under the new Olympic Charter, it is deeply troubling that so few of the candidates have even mentioned human rights in their election campaigns,” said Steve Cockburn, head of labour rights and sport at Amnesty International.
The Sport & Rights Alliance has called on IOC members to prioritize candidates’ commitments and track records on human rights and transparency when casting their votes.
The upcoming election will set the tone for the IOC’s approach to human rights in the years leading up to the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
