CSHR Honorary Chair Epsy Campbell Barr’s message on Human Rights Day

Author - Centre for Sport and Human Rights

On this Human Rights Day, 10 December 2024, the Centre for Sport and Human Rights reflects on a year of meaningful progress in advancing the sport and human rights agenda. Yet, as we celebrate these strides, we must acknowledge the immense challenges still ahead.

Awareness of human rights issues in sport has grown significantly, and more organisations are stepping up to protect and engage with people. However, achieving a truly safe, fair, and inclusive world of sport demands collective commitment across all stakeholders. It requires courage, collaboration, and the shared belief that sport can be a transformative force for good.

In a world increasingly fractured by discrimination, climate challenges, historical injustices, and conflict, sport has a unique and powerful role to play. It can bring people together, foster peace, and amplify voices that are often silenced. By embedding human rights into the very fabric of sport, we can move beyond harm reduction to create a system that actively supports, respects, and advances universal rights for all.

As we look to 2025, let us unite around a bold vision for sport—one that prioritises:

• Good governance, transparency, and accountability as non-negotiable standards.
• Meaningful and safe engagement with those affected by sporting practices.
• Effective remedies for those who have been harmed.
• The power of sport as a platform for justice, inclusion, and unity.

Sport should be more than just a stage for competition—it should be a beacon of hope, fairness, and integrity for the next generation. By centering human rights in sport, we inspire a world where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can thrive.

Now is the time to act. Let us work together to build a culture of responsible sport—one that uplifts humanity, champions dignity, and uses its extraordinary influence to shape a brighter, more equitable future for all.