By: FAZLI HAQ
ABU DHABI: The 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice held an ancillary meeting on Wednesday focusing on legal and policy considerations for addressing racist and hate crimes in sports.
The session, titled “No Racism – Legal and Policy Considerations for Addressing Racist and Hate Crimes in Sports,” brought together experts and representatives to discuss anti-discrimination regulations, practices and legislation in the sporting sector.
The discussions focused particularly on responses to racism in football and the need for effective legal and policy frameworks to prevent racist abuse, hate speech and discriminatory practices in sports. Participants highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional mechanisms and ensuring coordinated action against racism and intolerance.
The session also examined international initiatives aimed at tackling hate speech and discrimination in sports. Reference was made to recommendations developed for member states on hate speech in sport under the OSCE Working Group 2024–2026.
Participants also discussed the Council of Europe’s 2022–2024 project on combating hate speech in sport, which involved six member states and provided technical assistance for the development of national strategies.
The meeting further highlighted the Ibero-American 2026 initiative aimed at promoting efforts against racism, intolerance and violence.
Experts stressed that combating racism in sports requires effective legislation, clear regulations, institutional cooperation and practical measures to protect athletes, supporters and other stakeholders.
The session was held as part of the broader programme of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi, which is addressing a range of international issues related to crime prevention, criminal justice and human rights.
