IOC Strengthens Human Rights Responsibilities by Amending Olympic Charter

On the opening day of its 141st session, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) strengthened its human rights responsibilities by amending the Olympic Charter on Sunday.

The executive board recommended in September of this year that extra language be included about the respect for human rights, and the IOC session approved it.

As an overall commitment to the respect for human rights, additional phrasing has been added to the Fundamental Principles of Olympism, particularly in Fundamental Principles of Olympism 1 and 4, according to the IOC.

It further stated, "The Advisory Committee on Human Rights and the Legal Affairs Commission's work together resulted in this change."

The phrases "internationally recognised human rights" and "within the remit of the Olympic movement" have been added to the Fundamental Principles of Olympism 1 document.

The revised language agreed by the IOC assembly for the Fundamental Principles of Olympism 4 was "internationally recognised human rights" and "within the remit of the Olympic Movement."

IOC President Thomas Bach stated, "This is a major step in our commitment to the respect for human rights in the Olympic Movement."

We also want to make a clear statement to our stakeholders with this amendment to the Olympic Charter. It represents a significant turning point in the IOC's human rights efforts.

The IOC made additional choices, such as fully recognizing the International Federation of American Football.

Sharmil Tarpishchev and Yelena Isinbayeva, two representatives of Russia on the IOC, were not present at the meeting on Sunday.

Bach insisted on going on.

On Sunday, IOC members asked President Bach to continue in his position when his 12-year term ends in 2025.

2013 saw Bach elected to a term of eight years at the 125th IOC session in Buenos Aires. He was re-elected for a further four years in March 2021.