The 2016 Sporting Chance Forum - Collective Action on Mega-Sporting Events and Human Rights

During 2016, nearly 20 organisations have been developing multi-stakeholder dialogue and joint action aimed at strengthening human rights risk assessment and mitigation in mega-sporting events from bidding through to construction, delivery and legacy. Mary Robinson has lent her energy and leadership to chair this initiative, the Mega-Sporting Events Platform for Human Rights, which is facilitated by IHRB.

The Sporting Chance Forum, held in Washington D.C. on 13-14 October 2016, offered an opportunity for knowledge sharing and stock-taking of learning so far. Applying an evidence-based approach, experts and practitioners contributed in the lead up to the Forum to an exercise to develop thirteen draft White Papers clustered around the key stakeholder groups addressed by the Forum. These draft White Papers were designed to identify where progress is being made on human rights in the MSE context, and explore new approaches that could help make progress faster. Following the Sporting Chance Forum, the draft White Papers are being finalised, and will be published in January 2017.

This meeting report offers an overview of the two-day discussions, as well as conclusions and next steps for the MSE Platform. The report also makes reference to the 2016 Sporting Chance Principles, which were put forward by the Forum organisers to guide the two-day discussion, and to underpin future efforts to ensure that mega-sporting events are built on respect for human rights throughout their lifecycles.    

“I believe that sport has the power to change the world. I believe that sport should be safe and accessible for all. I believe that when sport is not safe and accessible for all, there is a responsibility to do something about it.”         

Martina Navratilova, tennis legend, coach, and advocate for LGBTI and women's rights, opening the Sporting Chance Forum