Mega sporting events have the potential to help catalyze greater respect for human rights and international labour standards, and each major sporting event has the potential to bring lasting positive social impacts.
However, the BWI sees that there are significant human rights risks and challenges. Past events have been marked by incidents of forced displacement, workplace deaths and labour rights violations, adverse impacts on livelihoods, constraints on freedom of expression and exploitation of children.
The BWI is pleased to be part of the recently formed Multi-Stakeholder Steering Committee intended to make innovative efforts on these issues. The Steering Committee met recently in Geneva to discuss a series of activities and plans for a major international conference in October 2016.
Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, is chairing the Steering Committee. Ms.Robinson is pictured here with the BWI World Board in Geneva, which she addressed on International Labour Standards in mega sporting events.
To see the Mega Sporting Events public statement, endorsed by the BWI, please click here.