International experts: 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia - an example of best practice of non-discrimination in sport

On August 28 a discussion on non-discrimination in sport was held in the framework of the 16^th session of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

The positive experience of Russia with the FIFA World Cup organization in June-July 2018 was highlighted as an example of best practice in this field. The abovementioned tournament gave an opportunity for implementation of a pilot project on prevention and countering racism, xenophobia and intolerance of any kind during sports competitions, launched by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

In particular, in order to promote the principles of non-discrimination among sportsmen and spectators the Russian authorities, with participation of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and UNESCO, organized a series of round tables. The civil society, including fans associations were actively involved.

As estimated by international observers, including the organization “Football Against Racism in Europe” (FARE), an atmosphere of hospitality and mutual respect was ensured during the World Cup-2018. It was stipulated that to a large extent it was made possible due to the establishment of the inspector for combatting racism and discrimination mandate and the following designation of Alexey Smertin, the ex-captain of the Russian teamб in 2017.

The participants of the meeting noted Russia’s significant contribution into the development of the issue of non-discrimination in sports, and saw eye to eye that its best practice should be extended to (extrapolated on) the future competitions in other sports disciplines.