Championing Children’s Rights:
Lighting a Torch at the Paris 2024 Olympics

The flame for the 2024 Paris Olympics has been lit, and its journey begins to light the cauldron that will mark the Summer Games opening in July. As the world turns its eyes towards Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, this global event presents a unique platform to highlight and address children’s rights—a critical issue often overshadowed by the spectacle of the Games.

The Paris Olympics, by integrating human rights into its Host City Contract, promises progress. However, the emphasis has been more on environmental sustainability than on child rights. Despite perceived low risks due to the host cities’ developed status, vigilance remains crucial, particularly concerning the use of child labour in supply chains connected to the Olympics.

Privacy and Surveillance Concerns

A significant concern arises with the recent legislation passed by the French National Assembly, permitting advanced algorithm-driven video surveillance. Such measures risk infringing on privacy and could disproportionately affect children by enabling constant monitoring and tracking. The challenge is to balance necessary security with the preservation of fundamental human rights, ensuring that any surveillance is transparent and legally justified.

Protecting Young Athletes

The path to Olympic glory for young athletes is fraught with challenges, including rigorous training schedules and intense pressure that can harm their physical and mental health. The Paris Games offer an opportunity to establish a gold standard for the treatment of young athletes, promoting balanced training, psychological support, and educational opportunities that prioritise well-being over performance.

Child USA and The Army of Survivors have championed the Child Athlete Bill of Rights, urging sports bodies to protect minors from abuse and provide safe channels for reporting concerns.

Tackling Child Labour in Mega Events

History shows that mega sporting events like the Olympics can lead to exploitation, as seen with child labour issues during past events such as the 2016 Rio Olympics. As Paris prepares to host the world, it is imperative that labour laws are stringently enforced and supply chains audited to prevent child labour and ensure transparency.

Advocacy and Action

At Global Child Forum, we ask companies to take a child rights approach in all aspects of their operations and within their communities. The Olympics is an opportune time to revisit company commitments to ensure that the Olympic spirit shines bright for all – including the youngest.

Organisations such as Right To Play and UNICEF also have crucial roles in leveraging sports to protect and empower children worldwide. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) also has a responsibility to enforce policies that ensure the safety and well-being of young participants.

A Call for Collective Responsibility

As Paris gears up for the 2024 Olympics, spectators, athletes, coaches, and officials have a collective duty to advocate for and uphold the rights of children affected by the Games. This approach will ensure that the legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics is not only about sporting achievements but also about advancing and respecting children’s rights.

This is our chance to set a new standard at the Paris Olympics—one where every child’s right to safety, dignity, and development is championed as part of the Olympic spirit. Let’s strive for a legacy of progress and hope, making the Paris 2024 Olympics a beacon for children’s rights.

Image credit (top): Brett Wharton via Unsplash