Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance remain deeply embedded across all levels of sport, Ashwini K.P., UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, warned on 2 July 2026 in Geneva, according to a press release by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Presenting her latest report to the Human Rights Council, the expert called for urgent, coordinated action to address structural inequalities and ensure equal participation for all. She stressed that despite sport’s potential to promote inclusion, it continues to reflect systemic racism seen in broader society. The report identifies persistent barriers faced by marginalized racial and ethnic groups. It also outlines recommendations for States, sports organizations, and civil society.
The report highlights how poverty, conflict, discriminatory regulations and lack of representation create significant barriers for marginalized racial and ethnic groups. “Access to sport remains unequal,” the expert said, noting that socio-economic inequality — often rooted in historical and structural racism — continues to disproportionately impact marginalized groups. The Special Rapporteur observed that discriminatory eligibility criteria and policies have disproportionately excluded athletes from racially and ethnically marginalized groups. She expressed concern about the underrepresentation of minorities, caste-oppressed communities, and other racialized populations. She also called for safe, inclusive environments that protect the dignity, bodily autonomy and rights of transgender and intersex women.
The report documents persistent racist incidents, including hate speech and abuse targeting athletes and fans both offline and online.
“Persistent stereotypes continue to influence how athletes are identified, trained, selected, and perceived,” the Special Rapporteur said.
She noted that conflict and displacement intensify existing inequalities. Affected athletes face disrupted infrastructure, constrained freedom of movement, and little to no access to sport and related opportunities. She stressed that addressing racism in sport requires a human rights-based and intersectional approach.
“States and sports bodies must move beyond symbolic commitments and tackle the root causes of inequality, including structural and historical injustices,” Ashwini K.P. said. She urged States to ensure equitable access to sport by prohibiting discrimination, combating hate speech, and ensuring accountability. She also called on sports organizations, private actors, and civil society to promote diversity, strengthen safeguards, and support inclusive governance. The expert emphasized the need for collective responsibility across public and private sectors. Her recommendations aim to transform sport into a genuine space of equality.
“Transforming sport into a space of true equality requires sustained political will, collective action and a commitment to confronting historical injustices,” she said. She added that “only by dismantling the legacies of exclusion and discrimination can sport fulfil its potential as a force for dignity, justice, inclusion, and social change.” The Special Rapporteur’s findings were formally presented to the Human Rights Council. The report calls for coordinated, long-term measures rather than short-term symbolic gestures. It positions sport as a critical arena for advancing human rights and equality.
