On the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, celebrated every 21 March, the Council of Europe's Sport Division recalls the unifying power of sport in bringing people together. Unfortunately, it can sometimes also be the scene of exacerbated rivalries or discrimination against certain categories of the population, in defiance of international standards, obligations and principles in the fight against racism and discrimination.

Despite the progress made over the years by States, multi-level sports organisations and associations, racism remains a threat in the world of sport and constitutes a serious human rights violation. In response to this, the Council of Europe’s priorities for Sport 2022-2025 notably aims at putting the protection of human rights in sport on the agenda of governments and making major advances in the promotion of values-based sport.

The positive values of sport are enshrined in the recently revised European Sports Charter. Another important instrument enables combating incidents of racism that taint the world of sport: the Saint-Denis Convention, which establishes principles and standards to combat racism, hate speech and hate crime in and around sports events and promotes inclusion of all spectators. In addition, the Sport Division is implementing a project "Combating Hate Speech in Sport", which aims to provide technical assistance to public authorities in the countries concerned and to support stakeholders to develop coherent strategies to combat hate speech in sport, while respecting human rights.

"Public authorities have a central role to play in combating racism in sport and condemning hate speech , but we must also not neglect the role of individuals and empower them to stand together against all forms of discrimination," said Sophie Kwasny, Head of the Sport Division.