Statement from the TAFISA Executive Board Regarding the Current Situation in Ukraine

TAFISA expresses its profound sadness regarding the ongoing armed conflict and condemns the attack by the governments of Russia and the Republic of Belarus against Ukraine. In these volatile and extremely critical times, our sympathy and support go to Ukrainians and those affected by the conflict. 

TAFISA stands for peace, mutual understanding, building bridges between peoples and cultures, and working together to create a better world. Violence is against our core values, and we sincerely hope that the world will come together and achieve a peaceful resolution to the current conflict.

As an international organisation, the ongoing situation affects the work of TAFISA and its members. Therefore, the TAFISA Executive Board has held an extraordinary meeting and made the decision to take the following measures, effective immediately: 

1. No TAFISA event can take place in Russia or the Republic of Belarus until further notice. Organisations cannot bid or apply to host TAFISA events in either country. 
2. TAFISA Membership is suspended for organisations from Russia and the Republic of Belarus.
3. Representatives and organisations from either country cannot take part in official TAFISA events, such as the TAFISA World Congress, TAFISA General Assembly, TAFISA World Sport for All Games, TAFISA Regional Sport for All Games, TAFISA World Walking Day and others.
4. No representative from Russia or the Republic of Belarus can represent TAFISA in any function or position. Existing functions and positions by representatives of either country in TAFISA bodies are suspended. Representatives of either country cannot be nominated or apply for a mandate as a TAFISA representative.
5. TAFISA representatives will not attend any events (physical or virtual) in Russia or the Republic of Belarus until further notice.

Additionally, the TAFISA Executive Board strongly suggests the following recommendations to TAFISA Members: 

1. Hosting events in Russia or the Republic of Belarus should be avoided until further notice.
2. Representatives should avoid attending any events (physical or virtual) in Russia or the Republic of Belarus until further notice.
3. Representatives of Russia or the Republic of Belarus should not be allowed to participate in TAFISA members’ events and should not continue in their elected function or position within TAFISA member organisations. 

The TAFISA Executive Board
Frankfurt am Main, Germany, 3 March 2022