The UN's intervention highlights a growing international concern over the intersection of sports, religion, and cultural identity in France.
The ongoing debate around secularism in France is becoming increasingly polarized, particularly in relation to women's rights and religious freedoms.
The UN's strong stance may prompt further discussions within French sports federations regarding inclusivity and the rights of athletes.
There could be potential legal challenges against the ban on the hijab in sports as advocacy groups may seek to contest the regulations in French courts.
The United Nations experts have called for the reversal of France's ban on the hijab in sports, labeling it as 'discriminatory.' They emphasize that Muslim girls and women who wear the hijab should have equal rights to participate in cultural and sporting activities within French society. This statement was made by three special rapporteurs and the Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls, highlighting the inconsistency in regulations across different sports in France regarding the hijab.
The UN experts criticize the decisions made by the French football and basketball federations, which exclude hijab-wearing athletes from competitions, including amateur levels, and the government's prohibition of these athletes from representing France at the upcoming Paris Olympics. They argue that such measures violate the rights of individuals to express their identity and beliefs publicly and privately.
The Ministry of Sports in France has maintained that the ban on religious symbols, including the hijab, is based on the principle of 'secularism' and 'neutrality' required for members of the French team during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. However, this ban does not apply to athletes from foreign delegations, raising concerns about fairness and equality.
UN experts stress that the principles of neutrality and secularism should not restrict freedom of expression and religion. They urge France to take measures to protect the rights of hijab-wearing women and promote equality and respect for cultural diversity, especially in a climate of rising intolerance towards these individuals.
