National Football Stadium plays host to first NI Sport & Human Rights Forum

National Football Stadium plays host to first NI Sport & Human Rights Forum

The Northern Ireland Sport and Human Rights Forum held its inaugural meeting at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park on Monday, bringing together representatives from across the sporting spectrum. Members of the NI Sport & Human Rights Forum include, the Irish Football Association Foundation, Ulster GAA, Ulster Rugby and Belfast Giants’ owner, the Odyssey Trust and the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council.

Chief Executive, Dr David Russell, stated:

“Five major sporting governing bodies have already shown their support for the Forum and signed the Declaration on Sport and Human Rights. We believe this is a positive step and hope it will provide a platform for the exchange of knowledge and good practice on sport and human rights.

“Following the establishment of the Centre for Sport and Human Rights in Geneva last year, it is evident that this movement is gaining momentum internationally, and the establishment of a local sport and human rights forum puts Northern Ireland ahead of the curve. It is evident that there is a huge appetite for these discussions at present, and we look forward to developing the Forum’s programme of work and expanding its membership in the coming months.”

Director of Football Development at the Irish Football Association Foundation, Michael Boyd, stated:

“We were delighted to host the first meeting of the Northern Ireland Sport and Human Rights Forum. This is an exciting development and fantastic opportunity for us all to work together to harness the power of sport to serve all the community here.”

ENDS

For more information, or to sign up to the Northern Ireland Sport and Human Rights Forum, contact Zara Porter at: zara.porter@nihrc.org

Notes to editors

1. The Northern Ireland Sport and Human Rights Forum was established on 29th April 2019 at the launch of the Declaration on Sport and Human Rights. This event was attended by United Nations Deputy High Commissioner, Kate Gilmore.

2. The Forum will engage sports bodies and civil society on sport and human rights issues, and provide a multi-stakeholder platform for the exchange of knowledge and good practice.

3. There will shortly be more information on the Forum available at www.nihrc.org but interested parties are encouraged to contact Zara Porter for further information at: zara.porter@nihrc.org