Safe Sport International joins the Advisory Council of the Centre for Sport and Human Rights

Safe Sport International joins the Advisory Council of the Centre for Sport and Human Rights to coordinate efforts to end abuse and nonaccidental violence against athletes.

Safe Sport International (SSI), an international charity campaigning for the elimination of all forms of violence, abuse and harassment against athletes of all ages, has joined the Advisory Council of the Centre for Sport and Human Rights (CSHR).

Violence threatens not only the ethical and social basis of sport but also the physical, emotional and mental health of the athlete. Violations can include sexual, physical and emotional abuse, sexual harassment, bullying, hazing (initiation rituals) and many others that are in direct contravention of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Declaration of Human Rights.

SSI develops harm prevention strategies and programmes that include practical measures – such as education and training, codes of practice and support for whistle-blowers – and are based on a strong platform of values and principles.

CSHR works towards a sporting environment that fully respects human rights through collective action and promotion of the Sporting Chance Principles.

Through its Advisory Council, CSHR brings together an unprecedented alliance of intergovernmental organisations, governments, sports bodies, athletes, hosts, sponsors, broadcasters, civil society representatives, trade unions, employers and their associations, and national human rights institutions.

Mary Harvey, CEO, CSHR said:

“We are delighted to welcome SSI to the Advisory Council. Aligning efforts to end violence, abuse and harassment against athletes is of critical importance to us. We look forward to working even closer with SSI to develop practical resources for the world of sport that advance the protection of everyone involved in sport at all levels. As the 47th institution to join the Advisory Council, we are confident that SSI’s expertise will add a great deal to our collective work.”

Anne Tiivas OBE, Chair of SSI said:

It is essential that everyone in sport works together to ensure that sport provides a safe and enjoyable environment.  Safe Sport International is committed to working in partnership with organisations and individuals to achieve the vision of safe sport for all.  SSI is thrilled to further develop our collaborations with Centre for Sport and Human Rights to fulfil a vision to enable a safe sport for all.  We look forward to contributing to the Advisory Council.

About Safe Sport International

Our focus is on non-accidental harms, that is those perpetrated knowingly and deliberately, that undermine both the mental and physical health of the athlete and the integrity of sport. Sadly, there is plenty of evidence that such violence happens in sport. Safe Sport International feels that the time is right for a coordinated international effort to prevent and respond to this violence as part of the global effort to uphold and protect the sporting values that we all cherish.  SSI’s founders have been involved in all of the major developments in safe sport over the last 15 years.  We bring together the thought, policy and practice leaders in sport through collaboration, such as the SSI Founders Group, The International Safeguards for Children in Sport Advisory Group, the women in sport networks, the IOC and many others. SSI will collaborate to develop and support the implementation of international frameworks for safe sport, developing safeguards for adult athletes and managing the transition from child to adult sport.  Safe Sport International Principles.

About the Centre for Sport and Human Rights

Launched in June 2018, the Centre works towards a world of sport that fully respects human rights by sharing knowledge, building capacity, and strengthening the accountability of all actors through collective action. The Centre is chaired by Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

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Follow Safe Sport International here:

Safe Sport International Website

@safesportint on Twitter,

SafeSportInternationalTeam on Facebook