A/HRC/37/L.31
General Statement by the United States of America
as delivered by Jason Mack
Human Rights Council, 37th Session
Geneva, March 23, 2018
Thank you, Mr. President.
The United States is pleased to co-sponsor this resolution and we thank the core group for their collaborative approach in developing this text. The resolution addresses a timely and important topic. History has shown that large-scale sporting events have the potential to help improve human rights and labor conditions for individuals whose lives are touched by the games, but may also lead to adverse human rights impacts. The United States has long been committed to fostering the positive influence sports can have in advancing human rights, international labor standards, educational and cultural exchange, and equality for all.
With respect to preambular paragraph 6 of the resolution, we would clarify that, with respect to the rights of athletes, the obligation to protect the human rights of athletes lies with states, in accordance with human rights law. We will continue to work to integrate respect for human rights and international labor standards into the life-cycle of mega-sporting events.
Thank you.