The IOC as an organisation

The IOC is taking a number of steps to deliver on its human rights responsibilities in its own operations. It has increased the alignment and coherence of its existing strategies on sustainability, gender equality and inclusion with human rights standards.

1 – Our commitment to human rights

Respecting human rights is a key element in everything we do at the IOC. This is today enshrined in the Olympic Charter and its fundamental principles, reflected in our Code of Ethics and our strategic roadmap Olympic Agenda 2020+5 and articulated in our IOC Strategic Framework on Human Rights.

The 141^st IOC Session in Mumbai approved changes to the Olympic Charter to include additional wording in the Fundamental Principles of Olympism as an overarching commitment to the respect for human rights, specifically in Fundamental Principles of Olympism 1 and 4.

Further, through the Strategic Framework, we undertake to respect human rights in accordance with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). This Strategic Framework also sets clear intents for our three spheres of responsibilities and lists clear objectives aimed at reinforcing consistency and alignment amongst the various IOC programmes, strengthening our overall approach in this field, and embedding, in a more systematic and comprehensive way, the IOC’s human rights approach across its operations. These objectives align with the salient issues that were identified after a targeted consultation with external stakeholders in 2018, and were consolidated in the Recommendations for an IOC Human Rights Strategy.

2 - Advisory Committee on Human Rights

In 2018, the IOC created an Advisory Committee on Human Rights to provide it with strategic guidance and advise on the implementation of the IOC Strategic Framework on Human Rights.

The Advisory Committee is composed of nine members and has a majority of independent external experts, alongside athletes and IOC Members. All have been selected for their knowledge of sport and human rights. The Advisory Committee meets once or twice a year and reports directly to the IOC leadership.

3 - Responsible sourcing in IOC supply chains

The IOC is committed to promoting adherence to social and environmental standards in its supply chain.

The standard agreement that we enter into with all our direct suppliers includes labour rights and human rights clauses, along with the IOC Supplier Code, which draws on internationally recognised standards such as the UNGPs and ILO Conventions. The IOC’s direct suppliers have to comply with these requirements.

In addition, the IOC has started to map and review geographical and industry-specific salient risks, in partnership with third parties and its suppliers. It will continue to expand its responsible sourcing programme and strengthen its human rights due diligence across its value and supply chain.

Other areas of work

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.

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IOC as the owner of the Olympic Games

For the IOC as the owner of the Olympic Games, the objective is to ensure that human rights are upheld in the host selection process, and in the organisation and delivery of the Olympic Games.

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IOC as the leader of the Olympic Movement

For the IOC as the leader of the Olympic Movement, the objective is to work closely with the Olympic Movement, especially the National Olympic Committees and International Federations on human rights matters.

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IOC advisory committee on human rights

The Advisory Committee’s mission is to provide strategic guidance to the IOC and advise on the implementation of the IOC Strategic Framework on Human Rights.

IOC Supplier Code

The IOC follows a responsible sourcing approach by which the sourcing of our products and services is carried out with environmental, social and ethical issues in mind. Through this approach, the IOC aims to use its influence to promote higher levels of environmental and social responsibility across its value chain.