Mega-sporting Events, Human Rights Abuses, And the Middle East

Abstract

This thought piece explores the historical episodes regarding human rights issues and their relationship with the Olympics and other mega and major sporting events. We show how sporting events have long been used for opportunities for the world to see human rights abuses. We then discuss the mixture of money, media companies, and sporting events and how these forces are increasing the visibility of municipalities and states that host these events. We ask the question: Other than money, why do these sporting events continue to be awarded to Middle East counties that have long records of human rights abuses? Like many academic works we try and find the link between ideas and action. We conclude with a call to action and examine the IOC–UN partnership that began in 2009 and allowed the IOC to be directly involved in the UN agenda and also granted them the ability to attend the UN General Assembly meetings.