Background

Violent and abusive behaviours in sports are symptomatic of deeply rooted social tensions present within culture, economy, politics, and the sporting arena itself. These behaviours often manifest in the sports environment, where tensions can be amplified. Despite sport's potential to foster socialisation and community building, discriminatory practices, particularly regarding racism and discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation, remain prevalent. Although progress is being made, the governance of sport continues to reflect a need for greater gender balance and inclusivity. Racism is a global issue that affects athletes, supporters, and tarnishes the reputation of sports leagues.

Francophone sport is not immune to these issues, with discrimination and racism targeting various groups and arising from prejudices, stereotypes, and historical tensions. Various stakeholders are implementing measures and educational solutions to address these challenges.

Objectives

The conference aims to address the deeply rooted social tensions manifesting as violent and abusive behaviours in sports, recognising sport's dual role as both a potential amplifier of these issues and a unique platform for their prevention and resolution. It seeks to promote sport as a means to build a more peaceful, supportive, resilient, and inclusive society.

Despite progress, issues like discrimination, particularly racism and gender bias, persist within sports governance and participation. The conference will thus address the need for comprehensive actions encompassing prevention, sanctions, psychological support for victims, and rehabilitation of offenders. The conference will also highlight the ongoing educational efforts in various countries to combat discrimination and racism in Francophone sports.

Speakers and target audience

The Conference will bring together stakeholders from various sectors including:

• Council of Europe and public authorities;
• representatives from institutions promoting the French language in sports, such as the Ministerial Delegation for the Francophonie at the French Ministry of Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the French National Olympic Academy, the Conference of Ministers of Youth and Sport of countries sharing the French language (CONFEJES) and the French-speaking table tennis alliance;
• UNESCO;
• the French Development Agency (AFD);
• civil society organisations such as the French National Association of Students in Science and Technology of Physical and Sports Activities (ANESTAPS) and the Sport and Human Rights Committee of the Conference of INGOs;
• athletes and referees;
• stakeholders involved in the advacement of sport as a tool for social cohesion and for the promotion of Francophone sport.
   

Programme and concept note*

*available in French only