The upcoming Paris Olympics 2024 have a controversy surrounding a hijab ban imposed on French athletes. This decision has sparked international criticism and raised questions about religious freedom in sports.
This decision from the French Sports Minister applies to all competitions for France throughout the Games, including the Paris Olympics as well, which will take place from July 26 to August 11.
The announcement was met with swift condemnation from human rights organisations.
International Outrage on Hijab Ban
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed its disapproval, stating that no woman should be dictated what to wear. Amnesty International (NGO), along with other organisations, sent a letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) urging them to intervene and lift the restriction. The letter highlighted the discriminatory nature of the ban and its violation of international human rights law.
“It shows Muslim women that when the French authorities talk about equality between men and women, they don’t see them as women. They don’t count them,” says Anna Błuś, Amnesty International’s women’s rights researcher in Europe.
IOC’s Response and Continued Criticism
The IOC, however, deflected responsibility, stating that the hijab ban fell outside their purview and that interpretations of religious freedom vary across countries. This response was deemed inadequate by Amnesty International, who accused French authorities of “discriminatory hypocrisy” and the IOC of a “weak” response. The organisation maintains that the ban undermines the Olympic spirit of inclusivity and respect for diversity.
