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World Cup has potential to boost fight against racism
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights says the forthcoming Football World Cup in South Africa could boost the fight against racism.
A friendly game of football
In a statement to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March, Navi Pillay says the World Cup provides an opportunity to take a fresh look at the issue of racism in sport.
Ms Pillay says the event can also enhance sports' tremendous potential to undermine racism, xenophobia and similar forms of intolerance in the wider society.
"The symbolism of the 2010 World Cup taking place for the first time ever in an African state, and specifically in the country which was for so many years a byword for institutionalized racism, is important" Ms Pillay adds.
She notes that racism within sport remains a problem in many countries and many sports.
Ms Pillay urges sports administrators everywhere to follow the example of two of the world's top football authorities, FIFA and the European Union Football Associations in devising serious campaigns to eradicate it from sport at all local, national and international levels.
She notes that on the pitch, the sight of players from diverse racial backgrounds is now the norm in many countries and players belonging to racial minorities now fill all positions.
But she points out that although they are increasingly entrusted with team captaincy, minorities are still disturbingly under-represented at the managerial level.
Ms Pillay says the role of sports in changing attitudes towards racism is potentially immense - especially sports like football which attract huge and passionate live and TV audiences.
Diane Bailey, United Nations
Duration: 1'47"
