White Paper 3.1 Sponsors and Human Rights in the Sports Context

Human rights groups have for some years lobbied sponsors of mega-sporting events (MSEs) to bring about human rights improvements in the planning, construction, delivery, and legacy of MSEs – from Beijing and London, through to Sochi and Rio. This is based in part on a belief that their investment in the process puts them in a position to exert significant influence and leverage over host governments, sports governing bodies, and other actors involved.

This White Paper explores the state of human rights as it relates to the sponsor-MSE relationship. It considers the history, models and mechanics of MSE sponsorship, then reviews the human rights risks traditionally posed by or involving MSE sponsors.

This White Paper is one of 11 papers published in January 2017 as part of the Sporting Chance White Paper series. The series aims to present the latest thinking, practice, and debate in relation to key human rights issues involved in the planning, construction, delivery, and legacy of mega-sporting events (MSEs). Each paper also considers the case for, and potential role of, an independent centre of expertise on MSEs and human rights. Each White Paper has been published as “Version 1” and the MSE Platform would welcome comments, input, and expressions of support with regard to future iterations or research on this and other topics.