Respecting Human Rights
At all times, the IOC recognises and upholds human rights, as enshrined in both the Fundamental Principles of the Olympic Charter and the IOC Code of Ethics.
The IOC affirms its commitment to respecting human rights within its remit, in accordance with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). These commitments are enshrined in the Olympic Charter, the IOC Code of Ethics and the IOC Strategic Framework on Human Rights.
The Strategic Framework sets out the long-term objectives and specific actions the IOC commits to take to further respect for human rights within its remit.
In line with Olympic Agenda 2020+5, the Strategic Framework covers and provides plans for each of the IOC’s three spheres of activity: the IOC as an organisation, the IOC as owner of the Olympic Games, and the IOC as leader of the Olympic Movement.
Across all three spheres, the objective is to ensure that people’s rights are at the core of its operations and are respected in line with international agreements and standards – within the IOC’s remit.
To deliver its work on human rights, the IOC follows the UNGPs. Other globally recognised standards inform its approach on human rights within specific areas, such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child for its work with young athletes, or the ILO Conventions on its work related to responsible sourcing.
Stakeholder engagement
The IOC engages on the topic of human rights with a wide range of stakeholders locally and globally, so it can better understand them and incorporate their expectations.
The IOC’s stakeholders include athletes, through direct engagement and the various athletes’ commissions, and constituents of the Olympic Movement, such as International Sports Federations and National Olympic Committees. In addition, it maintains a continuous dialogue with its Worldwide Olympic Partners to share information across all areas of its partnerships and joint operations.
It also works with leading organisations in the field of human rights, such as civil society organisations, technical and strategic advisors and multilateral institutions.
Human rights in the three spheres of responsibility
The IOC Strategic Framework on Human Rights explains the long-term objectives and specific actions the IOC commits to take to further respect for human rights in its remit.
In line with Olympic Agenda 2020+5 , this Strategic Framework covers and provides plans for each of the IOC’s three spheres of activity: IOC as an organisation, IOC as owner of the Olympic Games, and IOC as leader of the Olympic Movement.
