HRC 56th Session Quadrennial Panel on Promoting Human Rights Through Sport and the Olympic Ideal

President,

Armenia thanks the panelists for their insightful presentations. This is a timely discussion just weeks before the start of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Armenia recognizes the important role that the sports can play in fostering social inclusion, diversity, promoting gender equality, mutual respect and tolerance. We further acknowledge that sports can empower individuals and communities by contributing to their physical and mental wellbeing, have a vital impact on building resilient societies, and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.

It is our conviction that sports must be free from discrimination and prejudice, racism, and any form of violence or abuse. The inclusivity and respect are fundamental to the spirit of sportsmanship.

In this regard it is truly regrettable when sport competitions are being abused for the purpose of disseminating hate speech and intolerance and the athletes are subjected to xenophobia and identity-based intolerance. This has been the case in Azerbaijan where ethnic Armenians were continuously discriminated and on numerous cases have even been banned from participation in international contests.

Such egregious cases should be identified and condemned. The Olympic ideals should prevail.

Thank you.