Abstract

Human rights in sport is a broad mandate which encompasses a number of related rights issues. The cornerstone of the rights movement is the fundamental understanding that sport and leisure is a right of all human beings, necessary for development, health, and well-being of individuals and societies. Athletes have fought for the right to be treated fairly and with dignity in all aspects of their training and competition. Protected by the legal doctrines of natural justice and due process, athletes can dispute decision-making and treatment that infringes on their human rights. Children’s rights in sport require special consideration. Since they lack both the resources and opportunities to fight for their rights, adults must do so on their behalf, ensuring that all children have access to safe, developmentally appropriate sport and recreation activities. While tremendous progress has been made in articulating the rights for sport-for-all, athletes and children, there remains much work to be done to realize these rights. In addition, we must work to extend association of sport with human rights to improve the life chances for others. Fighting for the rights of worker’s engaged in the production of sportswear is the emerging battle in the struggle for human rights in sport.