TAFISA Treasurer joins EPAS Webinar on Human Rights of Transgender and Intersex Athletes

TAFISA Treasurer Janez Sodrznik joined the public Webinar on Protecting and Promoting the Human Rights of Transgender and Intersex Ahletes in Sports, which was held on 24 April in Paris and online. The event was organised by the Council of Europe’s Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS), and featured panel discussions on combating discrimination and ensuring greater educational awareness of the human rights of transgender and intersex athletes. The event also included a consultation workshop with invited participants and experts to address the biggest challenges and opportunities in protecting and promoting human rights in sports. The Council of Europe plans to publish an educational toolkit on this topic within a year.

During the event, important issues related to equality and diversity in sports were addressed by several speakers. The topics discussed included combating hate speech in sports, addressing gender equality in sports, advocating for systemic support for intersex athletes, and addressing the challenges faced by trans athletes, including harassment and abuse.

The second panel of the event was focused on raising awareness about the human rights of transgender and intersex athletes in sports. The speakers discussed various policies and practices for inclusion in sports, as well as educational tools and mechanisms to address diversity and inclusion policies, and accountability of organisations. The panel also highlighted the work of the Council of Europe’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Unit (SOGI) in promoting awareness of discrimination against athletes. 

The webinar showcased the importance of protecting and promoting the human rights of trans and intersex athletes in sports. The event provided a platform for experts and participants to discuss challenges and opportunities in this area, and the Council of Europe plans to publish an educational toolkit within a year. The event also demonstrated the commitment of organizations like TAFISA and the Council of Europe in advancing inclusion and diversity in sports.

Janez Sodrznik is a member of the EPAS Consultative Committee Bureau and joined the event along with other Bureau members. For more information about EPAS: https://www.coe.int/en/web/sport/epas