Banning athletes who kneel is breach of human rights – Global Athlete

The stance of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in doubtlessly banning athletes who kneel in help of anti-racism protests is a breach of human rights, the Global Athlete motion stated on Sunday.

Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter states that “no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas”.

Athletes breaking the foundations are topic to self-discipline on a case-by-case foundation and the IOC issued tips in January clarifying that banned protests embrace taking a knee.

“The IOC and IPC’s (International Paralympic Committee) recent statement that athletes who ‘take a knee’… will face bans is a clear breach of human rights,” Global Athlete, a world athlete-led motion that goals to encourage change in world sport, stated in an announcement.

“Athletes around the globe were awestruck with this statement and demanded change.”

Several main sports activities organisations have moved to permit protests at their occasions following the dying final month of George Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis after a white policeman knelt on his neck.

The IOC stated final week that athletes will determine how greatest to help the core Olympic values “in a dignified way” as calls to alter rules proscribing protests at Olympic Games develop louder.

“Once again athletes stood together and their collective voice has pressured the IOC to pivot on its position and now consult with athletes on Rule 50,” Global Athlete added.

“Athletes devote years of their lives to qualify for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. If athletes want to speak up while respecting other rights and freedoms detailed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the IOC should embrace their diverse opinions.”