Mini Report No. 1A Closer Look at the UN Report on the Right to Participate in Sports
February 2026, Sports and Human Rights Institute
※ "Mini Report" is a brief but insightful publication by the SHRI, summarizing current issues in sport, legislative developments, and major research findings.
The United Nations Report on the Right to Participate in Sports was prepared by the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights pursuant to a resolution adopted by the UN Human Rights Council. The report defines the "right to participate in sports" as a fundamental component of cultural rights and presents international standards and key challenges for its realization.
The report begins with the recognition that, despite the many positive impacts sport has on individuals and communities, human rights standards have not been sufficiently implemented within the sporting environment, resulting in continued discrimination and human rights violations. In particular, the report has three main objectives:
- To clarify the foundation of the right to participate in sports under international human rights law
- To analyze structural barriers that restrict participation in sports and identify related human rights violations
- To present the responsibilities of states and sports organizations, as well as policy directions for implementation
In other words, the report emphasizes that sport should not be understood merely as physical activity, but rather as an essential part of cultural life and an important form of social participation.
Would you like to read and explore the report together with the SHRI? Please download the full PDF file below.
Mini Report No. 1A Closer Look at the UN Report on the Right to Participate in Sports
February 2026, Sports and Human Rights Institute
※ "Mini Report" is a brief but insightful publication by the SHRI, summarizing current issues in sport, legislative developments, and major research findings.
The United Nations Report on the Right to Participate in Sports was prepared by the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights pursuant to a resolution adopted by the UN Human Rights Council. The report defines the "right to participate in sports" as a fundamental component of cultural rights and presents international standards and key challenges for its realization.
The report begins with the recognition that, despite the many positive impacts sport has on individuals and communities, human rights standards have not been sufficiently implemented within the sporting environment, resulting in continued discrimination and human rights violations. In particular, the report has three main objectives:
In other words, the report emphasizes that sport should not be understood merely as physical activity, but rather as an essential part of cultural life and an important form of social participation.
Would you like to read and explore the report together with the SHRI? Please download the full PDF file below.