August 17 - The NHRCK published the “Human Rights Guideline for Enjoyable Sport Activities,” aiming to prevent violations of human rights of children during sports activities. In line with that, the NHRCK, in partnership with the Korea YMCA, held a soccer match for the youth on August 17 in an attempt to apply the guideline to a real sports match.
Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child stipulates, “States Parties recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.” The UNESCO Charter of Physical Education and Sport also declares, “Everyone should be free to develop and preserve his or her physical, intellectual and moral powers, and that access to physical education and sport should consequently be assured and guaranteed for all human beings.”
The guideline bans all kinds of child abuse and calls on all stakeholders to take measures in order to prevent any kinds of child abuse in the sports sector. It also stresses that youth sports are different from professional ones and asks not to push for winning matches but to guide children to enjoy sports.
The NHRCK and the Korea YMCA are planning to further develop guidelines for other kinds of sports from a human rights perspective. In the meantime, the NHRCK will continue its effort to create safer and more enjoyable environments in the sports sector and strive to advance human rights of student and professional athletes.
