BSR Insight | International Sporting Events Shine Light on Human Rights
Each year, global sporting events draw media attention to human rights challenges surrounding the events, and coverage of these issues is already in full swing for the upcoming World Cup in South Africa, the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, and the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Human rights organizations often use these events to engage on these issues with sponsoring companies and others involved in the events. Typical allegations range from labor rights abuses in the construction of sports venues and the production of sports equipment and apparel, to the host country’s human rights record more broadly.
As part of human rights due diligence, BSR recommends that companies sponsoring or otherwise involved in these events:
- Ensure that human rights are integrated in your country risk-assessment processes, including marketing and sponsorship decisions.
- Ensure that human rights commitments and management systems extend to key suppliers and business partners for the event.
- Go beyond risk management and use the event to raise awareness on human rights, for example, by profiling responsible sourcing practices or products.
About the Author(s)
Faris Natour, Director, Human Rights
Faris leads BSR’s human rights practice, advising companies on human rights strategy, policy development, human rights impact assessments, and other elements of human rights due diligence... Read more →
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