Inputs for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ Report on A World of Sport Free from Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance
Submitted by: Athletes United for Peace (AUP), an NGO in Consultative Status with the UN ECOSOC For over 50 years, Athletes United for Peace (AUP) has used sport as a vehicle for peace, inclusion, and social transformation. AUP’s programs have united athletes from diverse backgrounds to promote community engagement, social justice, and equitable access to sports. Through initiatives spanning basketball, track and field, and other disciplines, AUP has demonstrated the power of sport in fostering racial unity and breaking down barriers of discrimination. 1. Good Practices in Combating Racism and Promoting Inclusion in Sports AUP has long championed sports as a means of addressing racial discrimination and fostering unity. Notable programs include: Basketball in the Barrio (El Paso, Texas, USA) Running for over 30 years, this initiative serves as a global model for replication. It brings together children from diverse backgrounds—including Spanish Speaking Youth, Children of African Descent, Indigenous Ysleta communities and South American migrants—using basketball as a bridge for social integration. Hoops for Peace (Chicago, Illinois, USA) More than a basketball tournament, this initiative has partnered with community health organizations as well as provide voter registration, job opportunities and scholarships for attendees. It also serves as a mechanism for gathering community data to assess impact. Midnight Basketball (Bay Area, California, USA) A program designed to offer at-risk youth a structured and safe environment, fostering mentorship and education while reducing violence and crime. International Track and Field Programs (Chicago, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) AUP has facilitated track and field programs that transcend borders, encouraging international dialogue and cultural exchange. These programs have not only provided safe spaces for competition but have actively worked against racial discrimination by fostering cross-cultural understanding and inclusion. 2. The Role of Sport in Advancing Human Rights and Social Equity David Hollander, NYU professor and author of How Basketball Can Save the World, provides a framework aligning with UNHRC’s objectives. His 13 principles illustrate basketball’s power to foster racial harmony and societal change. Among them: 1. Balance – Emphasizing the importance of equilibrium in life, decision-making, and teamwork. 2. Altruism – The game teaches giving and selflessness, both in passing the ball and in community engagement. 3. Collaboration – Success in basketball depends on teamwork and cooperation. 4. Leadership – Players learn to lead by example and through influence. 5. Communication – The game requires constant verbal and non-verbal communication. 6. Resilience – Players face and overcome setbacks, mirroring life's challenges. 7. Ingenuity – Creativity and adaptability are essential for success on and off the court. 8. Accountability – Each player has a role and responsibility within the team. 9. Equality – Basketball provides opportunities regardless of background, emphasizing fairness. 10. Empathy – Playing and understanding teammates fosters a sense of connection. 11. Trust – Success is built on trust between teammates and coaches. 12. Justice – The game is governed by rules that must be applied fairly. 13. Freedom – Basketball allows self-expression and individual style within a structured framework. AUP proposes that the UNHRC integrate these principles into its strategic framework to combat racial discrimination. 3. Recommended Actions for the UNHRC 3.1. Promote Grassroots Sports as a Tool for Inclusion AUP urges the global replication of Basketball in the Barrio, leveraging its model to bring marginalized communities together through sports. 3.2. Establish UN-Supported Community Sports Programs The UNHRC should work with governments and NGOs to integrate community-based sports initiatives into major international events such as the Olympics, Special Olympics, and FIFA World Cup in parking lots, local fields and venues. These efforts should: Develop community-led sporting events focused on fostering racial and ethnic inclusion. Use technology and social media to promote local sports inclusion. Document and evaluate the impact of these initiatives to inform global best practices, similar to AUP’s participation in Hoops for Peace in Chicago. 3.3. Leverage Sport for Policy Advocacy AUP actively submits written statements and oral interventions, advocating for funding mechanisms to support grassroots sports initiatives and includes community partners. In addition, AUP hosts events during the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), Permanent Forum for People of African Descent and the Working Group for People of African Descent. "Girls Must Play" was part of the parallel events for the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). This event brought together women athletes, coaches, dancers, and sports professionals from diverse disciplines and regions to discuss their experiences, triumphs, and challenges in sports. The panel highlighted barriers to access, resources, and recognition faced by women in athletics. Learn More AUP calls on the UNHRC to support documentaries, storytelling projects, and athlete-led initiatives that highlight the intersection of sports and human rights. Other Statements included: The Need for Goals and Targets to Achieve Justice for People of African Descent Read More Elements of an Inclusive Global Financing Model: Leveraging Human Rights, Sustainability, and Technology for Equitable Development Read More 4. The Role of Print, Media and Collectives in Promoting Social Cohesion Through Sport AUP recognizes the powerful influence of media in shaping narratives around race and sports. AUP Board Members have contributed to this discourse through radio, film, and books that humanize the struggles of athletes facing discrimination. Books: Big Time – Rus Bradburd Forty Minutes of Hell: The Extraordinary Life of Nolan Richardson – Rus Bradburd Out of Their League – Dave Meggyesy Films: Gene “The Dream”: A Bay Area Hoop Story – Doug Harris Bounce: The Don Barksdale Story – Doug Harris Radio: Live from the Heartland with Michael Gaylord James Watch Here Collectives Evo Sports Collective –with David Meggyesy Evo Sport seeks to accelerate the global evolution of human consciousness through sport, exploring human potential and optimal development. 5. Invitation for UNHRC Participation AUP extends an invitation to the UNHRC to participate in Basketball in the Barrio this summer, witnessing firsthand how grassroots sports can drive social change. AUP will provide copies of How Basketball Can Save the World to interested members. In conclusion, Athletes United for Peace (AUP) reaffirms its commitment to leveraging sports as a powerful tool for advancing human rights, social equity, and racial justice. Through decades of impactful programs, AUP has demonstrated that grassroots sports initiatives can break down barriers, foster inclusion, and create pathways for peace. By integrating these community-driven solutions into its global strategies, the UNHRC has an opportunity to harness the transformative potential of sports in combating racism and xenophobia. We extend our gratitude to the High Commissioner for considering these contributions and look forward to continued collaboration in shaping a more just and inclusive world through sport. AUP Website: Athletes United for Peace Athletes United for Peace Board Dr. Phillip Shinnick Dave Meggyesy Steve Yellen Rus Bradburd Donna de Varona Pinto Michael Gaylord James Doug Harris Barbara Horne
Submitted by: Athletes United for Peace (AUP), an NGO in Consultative Status with the UN ECOSOC For over 50 years, Athletes United for Peace (AUP) has used sport as a vehicle for peace, inclusion, and social transformation. AUP’s programs have united athletes from diverse backgrounds to promote community engagement, social justice, and equitable access to sports. Through initiatives spanning basketball, track and field, and other disciplines, AUP has demonstrated the power of sport in fostering racial unity and breaking down barriers of discrimination. 1. Good Practices in Combating Racism and Promoting Inclusion in Sports AUP has long championed sports as a means of addressing racial discrimination and fostering unity. Notable programs include: Basketball in the Barrio (El Paso, Texas, USA) Running for over 30 years, this initiative serves as a global model for replication. It brings together children from diverse backgrounds—including Spanish Speaking Youth, Children of African Descent, Indigenous Ysleta communities and South American migrants—using basketball as a bridge for social integration. Hoops for Peace (Chicago, Illinois, USA) More than a basketball tournament, this initiative has partnered with community health organizations as well as provide voter registration, job opportunities and scholarships for attendees. It also serves as a mechanism for gathering community data to assess impact. Midnight Basketball (Bay Area, California, USA) A program designed to offer at-risk youth a structured and safe environment, fostering mentorship and education while reducing violence and crime. International Track and Field Programs (Chicago, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) AUP has facilitated track and field programs that transcend borders, encouraging international dialogue and cultural exchange. These programs have not only provided safe spaces for competition but have actively worked against racial discrimination by fostering cross-cultural understanding and inclusion. 2. The Role of Sport in Advancing Human Rights and Social Equity David Hollander, NYU professor and author of How Basketball Can Save the World, provides a framework aligning with UNHRC’s objectives. His 13 principles illustrate basketball’s power to foster racial harmony and societal change. Among them: 1. Balance – Emphasizing the importance of equilibrium in life, decision-making, and teamwork. 2. Altruism – The game teaches giving and selflessness, both in passing the ball and in community engagement. 3. Collaboration – Success in basketball depends on teamwork and cooperation. 4. Leadership – Players learn to lead by example and through influence. 5. Communication – The game requires constant verbal and non-verbal communication. 6. Resilience – Players face and overcome setbacks, mirroring life's challenges. 7. Ingenuity – Creativity and adaptability are essential for success on and off the court. 8. Accountability – Each player has a role and responsibility within the team. 9. Equality – Basketball provides opportunities regardless of background, emphasizing fairness. 10. Empathy – Playing and understanding teammates fosters a sense of connection. 11. Trust – Success is built on trust between teammates and coaches. 12. Justice – The game is governed by rules that must be applied fairly. 13. Freedom – Basketball allows self-expression and individual style within a structured framework. AUP proposes that the UNHRC integrate these principles into its strategic framework to combat racial discrimination. 3. Recommended Actions for the UNHRC 3.1. Promote Grassroots Sports as a Tool for Inclusion AUP urges the global replication of Basketball in the Barrio, leveraging its model to bring marginalized communities together through sports. 3.2. Establish UN-Supported Community Sports Programs The UNHRC should work with governments and NGOs to integrate community-based sports initiatives into major international events such as the Olympics, Special Olympics, and FIFA World Cup in parking lots, local fields and venues. These efforts should: Develop community-led sporting events focused on fostering racial and ethnic inclusion. Use technology and social media to promote local sports inclusion. Document and evaluate the impact of these initiatives to inform global best practices, similar to AUP’s participation in Hoops for Peace in Chicago. 3.3. Leverage Sport for Policy Advocacy AUP actively submits written statements and oral interventions, advocating for funding mechanisms to support grassroots sports initiatives and includes community partners. In addition, AUP hosts events during the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), Permanent Forum for People of African Descent and the Working Group for People of African Descent. "Girls Must Play" was part of the parallel events for the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). This event brought together women athletes, coaches, dancers, and sports professionals from diverse disciplines and regions to discuss their experiences, triumphs, and challenges in sports. The panel highlighted barriers to access, resources, and recognition faced by women in athletics. Learn More AUP calls on the UNHRC to support documentaries, storytelling projects, and athlete-led initiatives that highlight the intersection of sports and human rights. Other Statements included: The Need for Goals and Targets to Achieve Justice for People of African Descent Read More Elements of an Inclusive Global Financing Model: Leveraging Human Rights, Sustainability, and Technology for Equitable Development Read More 4. The Role of Print, Media and Collectives in Promoting Social Cohesion Through Sport AUP recognizes the powerful influence of media in shaping narratives around race and sports. AUP Board Members have contributed to this discourse through radio, film, and books that humanize the struggles of athletes facing discrimination. Books: Big Time – Rus Bradburd Forty Minutes of Hell: The Extraordinary Life of Nolan Richardson – Rus Bradburd Out of Their League – Dave Meggyesy Films: Gene “The Dream”: A Bay Area Hoop Story – Doug Harris Bounce: The Don Barksdale Story – Doug Harris Radio: Live from the Heartland with Michael Gaylord James Watch Here Collectives Evo Sports Collective –with David Meggyesy Evo Sport seeks to accelerate the global evolution of human consciousness through sport, exploring human potential and optimal development. 5. Invitation for UNHRC Participation AUP extends an invitation to the UNHRC to participate in Basketball in the Barrio this summer, witnessing firsthand how grassroots sports can drive social change. AUP will provide copies of How Basketball Can Save the World to interested members. In conclusion, Athletes United for Peace (AUP) reaffirms its commitment to leveraging sports as a powerful tool for advancing human rights, social equity, and racial justice. Through decades of impactful programs, AUP has demonstrated that grassroots sports initiatives can break down barriers, foster inclusion, and create pathways for peace. By integrating these community-driven solutions into its global strategies, the UNHRC has an opportunity to harness the transformative potential of sports in combating racism and xenophobia. We extend our gratitude to the High Commissioner for considering these contributions and look forward to continued collaboration in shaping a more just and inclusive world through sport. AUP Website: Athletes United for Peace Athletes United for Peace Board Dr. Phillip Shinnick Dave Meggyesy Steve Yellen Rus Bradburd Donna de Varona Pinto Michael Gaylord James Doug Harris Barbara Horne
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