To the attention of the Minister responsible for Sport 24 September 2018
Dear Minister,
Sport can be an unrivalled force for the promotion of our shared values and the development of cohesive
societies. However, the incessant corruption, doping and match-fixing scandals, human rights violations and
recent revelations on sexual and moral harassment, especially of children and young sportspersons, continue
to tarnish the image of sport.
It is for this reason that the Parliamentary Assembly welcomes the decision to choose the fight against
th
corruption and the protection of human rights as the two key themes of the 15 Council of Europe
Conference of Ministers of Sport. We share the hope that this conference will result in a renewed
commitment by governments and in particular in concrete action as regards the fight against corruption and
up-scaling the protection of human rights in sport.
In order to help forge a coherent political front on sports governance and integrity matters and to discuss the
concrete outcomes of the Ministerial Conference and their implementation, we have decided to hold a joint
sub-committee meeting on the margins of the Ministerial Conference. The Georgian Parliament will kindly
host the event on 17-18 October 2018 in their premises in Tbilisi.
The meeting will include two public hearings: the first is intended to bring together governments, parliaments
and the sports movement with a view to identifying synergies and possible common action around the Council
of Europe flagship campaign “Start to talk” against sexual abuse of children in sport. The second hearing on
“Actors or spectators: what role for parliaments in setting the moral compass for sport?” will discuss
how politicians can help foster enhanced governance standards and respect of human rights and democratic
values in all aspects of sport.
We would be honoured if you could attend, or be represented at, our joint meeting. Please also let us know
should you wish to speak under any of the three panels in the programme attached.
We would be grateful if your staff would let us know, at your earliest convenience (not later than 7 October),
whether you will be able to join us by contacting Ms Ivi-Triin Odrats, Secretary to the Sub-Committee on
Education, Youth and Sport (tel. +33 3 88 41 29 79, e-mail:
[email protected]), who remains at your
disposal for any further information you may require.
Yours sincerely,
Georgios Mavrotas Baroness Massey
Chairperson Chairperson
Sub-Committee on Education, Youth and Sport Sub-Committee on Children
F – 67075 Strasbourg Cedex |
[email protected] | Tel: +33 3 88 41 2000 | Fax: +33 3 88 41 2797