Cost of living and access to remedy explored in latest NI Sport and Human Rights Forum

Cost of living pressures and access to remedy in sport have been examined at the latest Northern Ireland Sport and Human Rights Forum meeting.

Judith Rankin from Sported spoke to members about the cost of living pressures putting grassroots sports at risk. This included taking members through Sported’s Pulse survey, highlighting issues around funding, poverty and equality, participation, volunteers and mental health.

Keith McGarry from SportLawNI looked at the issue of access to remedy for sport-related human rights abuses. Keith explored a number of examples such as transgender inclusion in sport, age discrimination, equality, sportswashing, nationality and representation.

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission gave an overview on the creation and evolution of the Northern Ireland Sport and Human Rights Forum, including the creation of a guide on transgender inclusion in grassroots sport; launching the Rights at the Finish Line podcast; supporting gymnasts to participate in the Commonwealth Games, and responding to the consultation on abuse of trust legislation.

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission’s Michael Boyd said:

“This meeting of the NI Sport and Human Rights Forum looked at two important and timely topics. Every sporting organisation is having to tackle the current cost of living pressures, along with the multiple issues that arise as a consequence. It was also very useful to hear about access to remedy in sport from a legal professional, with many evolving and ongoing issues emerging and developing on a daily basis.

I would like to thank Judith from Sported and Keith from SportLawNI for taking the time to come and speak at the Forum and provide us with their valuable insights and experience. The feedback from members on the session has been wholly positive.”

ENDS