On October 24, 2024, Alexandra Xanthaki, the UN Special Rapporteur on cultural rights, addressed the Third Committee of the General Assembly, focusing on how cultural frameworks perpetuate certain stereotypes and exclusionary practices. Xanthaki urged both states and societies to actively engage in revising these norms and facilitating inclusive cultural practices, particularly in sports. She expressed concern over discriminatory practices affecting marginalized groups and highlighted recent reports from civil society on abuses and exclusion.
In particular, Xanthaki referenced Iran, where there have been accounts of exclusion based on religious affiliation, including the reported exclusion of Baha’i athletes. Noting that no official submissions were received from Iran, she emphasized the need to rely on civil society’s reports to accurately represent on-the-ground realities. She called for an acknowledgment of these conditions, underscoring the importance of civil society in informing UN discussions on rights and inclusion.
For full remarks, please see UN Web TV.
