Sponsors and Human Rights in the Sports Context

Human rights groups have for some years lobbied sponsors of mega-sporting events (MSEs) to bring about human rights improvements in the planning, construction, delivery, and legacy of MSEs – from Beijing and London, through to Sochi and Rio. This is based in part on a belief that their investment in the process puts them in a position to exert significant influence and leverage over host governments, sports governing bodies, and other actors involved.

This White Paper explores the state of human rights as it relates to the sponsor-MSE relationship. It considers the history, models and mechanics of MSE sponsorship, then reviews the human rights risks traditionally posed by or involving MSE sponsors.

Read the report on IHRB's website.