IOC: ‘Collective group of nations’ governments do not take into account human rights, demanding to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes

International Olympic Committee (IOC) responded to a request from a group of countries seeking clarification of the definition “neutrality” in relation to athletes from Russia and Belarus. The Committee also criticized the resolution of the European Parliament, which condemned the attempts of the IOC to allow athletes from aggressor countries to the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

“The IOC takes note of the statement issued by ministers and senior representatives of the ‘collective group of nations’ on Monday. We welcome the recognition of the autonomy of sport, especially on behalf of the NOCs of the respective countries.”

“The IOC appreciates the constructive questions regarding the determination of the neutrality of athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport, while noting that the statement did not take into account the clear concerns about human rights expressed by two special rapporteurs of the UN Human Rights Council.”

“Last December, the leaders of all Olympic Movement stakeholders addressed these human rights issues and established general principles for such neutrality. Since then, there have been ongoing, detailed consultations with these stakeholders to further define these principles.”

“Unfortunately, the European Parliament does not take into account and does not take into account the serious concerns expressed by the two Special Rapporteurs of the UN Human Rights Council.”

“The Special Rapporteur on Cultural Rights and the Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance stated: “We understand the desire to support Ukrainian athletes and the Ukrainian Olympic community, who are suffering terribly from the war, along with all other Ukrainians. But the Olympic Committee and, more broadly, the Olympic community are also bound by the Olympic Charter and, more broadly, international human rights law that prohibits discrimination.” The European Parliament’s request for a “multilateral isolation” of all Russians and Belarusians clearly contradicts this assertion.

The Declaration of the European Parliament also clearly contradicts the autonomy of sports organizations, which is an integral part of the European sports model and a fundamental principle repeatedly recognized by the EU institutions. In addition, the declaration clearly contradicts the unifying peacekeeping mission of the Olympic Games and the Olympic Charter, repeatedly endorsed by the European Union and its Member States.”

Among the countries that signed the official letter to the IOC were the US, UK, France, Canada and Germany. The statement was also signed by Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Denmark, which are considering the possibility of a boycott of the Olympics if athletes from Russia and Belarus are admitted.

The appeal to the IOC was the result of an online meeting between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and government leaders from more than 30 countries. During this meeting, Zelensky called for not allowing representatives of terrorist states to the Games in any status.

The IOC is ready to consider the possibility of admitting athletes from Russia and Belarus to international competitions. In this case, everyone who wishes will be required to act in a neutral status. Also, athletes should not support the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and pass a mandatory doping test.

The IOC believes that a complete ban on the performance of Russian and Belarusian athletes is discrimination and is contrary to the Olympic Charter. The organizers of the 2024 Olympics in Paris said they would adhere to the decision of the IOC to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete under a neutral flag.

The NOC of Ukraine voted for a possible boycott of the 2024 Olympics if athletes from Russia and Belarus are admitted to the Games. Also, the Verkhovna Rada appealed to the parliaments of the countries of the world with a request to prohibit the participation of representatives of the aggressor countries in international competitions.