One of the specific objectives of this project is setting up an online resource centre providing relevant information on existing tools to combat hate speech in sport. To identify measures to prevent, counter, report and remedy hate speech, notably through the No Hate Speech Movement campaign, the Gender Equality Strategy of the Council of Europe, the programme of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) and other relevant instruments.

 

Specific instruments in sport

The project's aims are embedded in a number of treaty provisions in particular Articles 2 and Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), and Article 10, Article 19 and Article 67(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

The general principles of non-discrimination and equality are also reaffirmed in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, which – under the Lisbon Treaty – has the same legal value as the Treaties. The Charter states explicitly in its Article 20 that everyone is equal before the law. Its Article 21(1) further prohibits “any discrimination based on any ground[s] such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation”.

This project builds on the Council of Europe expertise in the fight against hate speech and in the development of sport policies and norms:

The project is looking at the findings of the ECRI country monitoring reports, the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights, existing Council of Europe texts and studies of the Anti-Discrimination Department and is part of the legacy of the No Hate Speech Movement Youth Campaign.

Main Categories

The project aims at establishing an online resource centre to provide relevant information for combating hate speech in sport.

Drawing upon the valuable insights and good practices implemented by France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Montenegro and Spain, the initiative has meticulously gathered information into the following key thematic areas.  

The first one provides inputs to address discrimination and social exclusion based on age, race, sex, and disability, with the overarching goal of promoting equality and fostering a safe and inclusive sporting environment.

The second one emphasizes the cultivation of an ethical sporting culture rooted in principles of fair play and mutual respect. It underscores the transformative power of education and raising-awareness campaigns and their fundamental role in instilling these values among athletes, coaches, and supporters.

Moreover, the third category highlights the urgent need for a robust legal framework and the implementation of legislative measures upholding equality and tolerance in sport.

The fourth one seeks to empower stakeholders with effective strategies and AI tools to tackle online abuses and promote a culture of respect across the digital sport community.

  • 1 - Promoting inclusion: Strategies to combat discrimination in sport

  • 2 - Fostering ethical sport: Awareness and education campaigns

  • 3- Advancing legislative measures

  • 4 -Eradicating online hate

Promoting inclusion: Strategies to combat discrimination in sport

This area  provides inputs to address discrimination and social exclusion based on age, race, sex, and disability, with the overarching goal of promoting equality and fostering a safe and inclusive sporting environment.

Fostering ethical sport: Awareness and education campaigns

This area emphasises the cultivation of an ethical sporting culture rooted in principles of fair play and mutual respect. It underscores the transformative power of education and raising-awareness campaigns and their fundamental role in instilling these values among athletes, coaches, and supporters.

Advancing legislative measures

This category highlights the urgent need for a robust legal framework and the implementation of legislative measures upholding equality and tolerance in sport.

Eradicating online hate

This area seeks to empower stakeholders with effective strategies and AI tools to tackle online abuses and promote a culture of respect across the digital sport community.