03/11/2026 Parliamentary Alliance for Good Governance and Integrity in Sport | Culture, Science, Education and Media
Agnes Sirkka Prammer (Austria, SOC), Chairperson of PACE’s Parliamentary Alliance on Good Governance and Integrity in Sport, made the following statement following the Alliance’s meeting today on “Stadia: a welcoming space for all”, in the framework of 19th Conference of Ministers Responsible for Sport in Monaco:
“The 10th anniversary of the Saint-Denis Convention is a timely reminder that safety, security and services must go hand in hand. A welcoming atmosphere is not a luxury: it is a vital part of preventing violence and discrimination during sporting events. When people feel respected and included, everyone benefits.
Yet commitments alone are not enough. Racism, sexism, hate speech and discrimination remain real challenges, while accessibility and inclusion still require greater attention. Major sporting events have shown both progress in recognising the human rights responsibilities of organisers and host authorities, and the difficulties of translating commitments into practice.
Human rights due diligence must become standard practice, not a box-ticking exercise. Sports organisations, event organisers and host governments must identify risks, allocate adequate resources, engage with supporters and local communities, and ensure that effective safeguards and remedies are in place. While the protection of human rights lies mainly with governments, international sports organisations must lead by example.
As parliamentarians, we must help turn these principles into action. We can strengthen accountability, scrutinise public policies and promote practical guidance to ensure that human rights are respected at major sporting events and beyond.
Today's discussion has also highlighted promising initiatives from football supporters and clubs, such as Athletic Club Bilbao, showing how practical measures can make stadia more inclusive and welcoming. We should build on these examples and encourage their wider adoption.
Our ambition is simple: stadia where supporters from every background can enjoy sport without fear, including children, families, women, persons with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ persons.
A sporting event is not truly successful simply because the match goes well. It is successful when everyone can take part, feel they belong and go home with positive memories. That is the standard we should strive for, and the responsibility we must share.”
