On International Human Rights Day (10 December), European Athletics reaffirms its strong and unwavering commitment to placing human rights at the heart of our sport.
In 2025, the “Race for Respect” initiative did more than raise awareness of this critical issue.
Through visible, practical actions, including postcard campaigns, dedicated safeguarding spaces at events, strengthened TV broadcast guidelines, and educational workshops—European Athletics continues to lead by example, integrating human rights principles across all areas of governance and operations.
"Guiding principle"
“By recognising the importance of human rights and embedding these principles into the way we govern our sport, European Athletics is strengthening the structures that respect and protect every person who takes part in our events," said European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov.
"Through our Race for Respect campaign, we are raising awareness, educating our community, and reinforcing a culture where dignity, safety, respect and fairness are the standard for athletes, coaches, officials, media, and volunteers alike.
"The reflections shared by our athletes show clearly why this work matters. Their experiences underline the importance of creating environments that support mental well-being, celebrate diversity, and empower individuals to speak up when something is not right.
"Through the Race for Respect campaign, European Athletics is raising awareness, educating the athletics community, and reinforcing a culture where dignity, safety, respect and fairness are the standard for athletes, coaches, officials, media, and volunteers alike.
"The reflections shared by athletes show clearly why this work matters. Their experiences underline the importance of creating environments that support mental well-being, celebrate diversity, and empower individuals to speak up when something is not right.
“European Athletics will continue working closely with our Member Federations and Local Organising Committees to advance these values across all our championships. Human rights are not a mere agenda item, they are a guiding principle for everything we do,” he added.
Chair of the Human Rights Working Group, within the European Athletics Governance and Integrity Commission, Mr. Toralf Nilsson said: “Based on the recommendations approved by the Congress in Belgrade 2023, European Athletics, with valuable support and expertise from the Centre for Sport and Human Rights, have been working intensively over the last two years to integrate human rights requirements in the bidding process of European Athletics events and events’ lifecycle.
“There is still more to be done, but we should be proud for what we have achieved so far, for example embedding European Athletics commitment into relevant event documents and developed human rights knowledge among staff and Member Federations.
“In November, we delivered a well received in-person workshop in Geneva for the Local Organising Committees for our Major Events in the coming years and the respective European Athletics project leaders, as well as bidders for the upcoming editions of the European Athletics Championships indoors and outdoors”.
Athlete support
Furthermore, the ambitions and values of “Race for Respect” were being upheld and celebrated by the many athletes who had competed at European Athletics events in 2025.
Each athlete has different lived experiences, but were united in their support of education, awareness,and reporting mechanisms in all aspects of the sport.
Good mental health is celebrated by European U23 4x100m gold medallist Alyson Bell of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Alyson confirms since revealing her sexuality, she has only received support and an accepting environment from her 4x100m relay team-mates. She also emphasises the importance of representation and visibility for LGBTQ+ athletes, aiming to promote inclusivity and acceptance in the sport.
“I think that people of different races, of different genders, of different sexes should have the same respect, and get to the same places with the same sponsorship,” she said.
“It really does a lot for people who are part of minority groups to feel that acceptance and openness and to show up to competition without fear of racism, sexism or homophobia. It just gives you that extra boost that you can be yourself on that start line!”
Alyson believes it is not just for minorities to advocate for themselves – we all must play our part. “I think everyone needs to be aware of the privileges that you have in this life and being able to call out racism or homophobia or sexism when you're in that position of power does so much more than you think.”
Racism has no place in athletics and Germany’s European U23 shot put champion Nina Chiomi Ndubuisi, says her experiences as a woman of colour have been mostly positive.
Nina believes respect is a foundation for life, and emphases the importance of showing greatness, gratitude, and kindness to everyone, stressing the importance of the support of her coaches.
“Respect is about earning and giving it to other people,” she said. “I think respect is like a foundation for every setting in life.
She is clear in her advice to all athletes who may believe their situation is vulnerable, because of racism, bullying, grooming, or any other situation which causes them fear or unhappiness.
“I think, honestly, I would say speak up, because you never know who can help you, who will be there for you, and if you are in situations where you truly feel uncomfortable, you should definitely say something and don't keep it to yourself.
“Make sure you're in an environment where you feel trust and you are safe.”
Swedish U23 hammer champion Albin Silén of Sweden is another competitor who urges athletes to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or mistreated.
“We can learn about other cultures, meeting so people from around the world and taking part in their languages and customs and other things like that,” he said, emphasising diversity.
“There are a lot of people who want to help. I hope you can remember that.”
Meanwhile, Switzerland’s European U23 decathlon champion Andrin Huber European U23 Decathlon Gold Medallist stress the importance of respect in the decathlon, where athletes spend extensive time together and the event is known for its’ positive, and collaborative competitive environment.
“I think in the decathlon, we have more time than ever to bond, to get to know each other and the thing of really wanting your competitors to do better and wanting them to succeed in the decathlon is really special. I hope some of the other disciplines can learn from the decathlon,” he said.
This environment of support and respect is a huge positive in Andrin’s enjoyment of his event.
Race for Respect is a year-round campaign promoting safeguarding, human rights, and positive values in athletics, engaging athletes, teams, federations, fans, and stakeholders through meaningful actions and partnerships.
The key objectives include advocating for fairness and integrity, promoting safeguarding and creating environments where good mental health is key to the wellbeing of athletes.
