France Draws Flak For Banning Athletes From Wearing Hijab During Paris Olympics

The UN human rights office has criticised the French government for banning its athletes from wearing the hijab at the Paris Olympics next year.

From July 26 to September 8, the French capital will be the centre of the world – the world of sport and so much more – as it hosts the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Olympic Games are a popular, multicultural festival. They represent a new adventure that will embark France on an experience unlike anything it has seen before.

Ban Only Acceptable Under Legitimate Concerns

The criticism comes days after French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera said French athletes would be barred from wearing the headscarf to respect principles of secularism.

“No one should impose on a woman what she needs to wear or not wear,” said Maria Hurtado, spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, on Tuesday.

“Restrictions of expressions of religions or beliefs … are only acceptable under … circumstances that address legitimate concerns for public safety, public order or public health or morals.”

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A Court Ruling To Uphold Ban On Wearing Hijab

According to CNN, the sports ministry’s press office on Tuesday referred to a court’s decision in June to uphold a ban on wearing the hijab during football games.

In accordance with the ruling, sports teams across the country are subject to the principal of public service neutrality, the ministry added.

Meanwhile, the rules applying to other athletes will be set by each international federation, under the supervision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Paris 2024 Proposes Additional Sports

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be the biggest event ever organised in France. The spectacle taking place during those weeks will go down in history.

The Olympic Games is a massive celebration in the way that it records billions of TV viewers worldwide, while housing 10,500 athletes, 31,500 volunteers and 6,000 accredited journalists.

To enhance its programme and overall concept, Paris 2024 has taken the opportunity to propose additional sports – breaking, sport climbing, skateboarding and surfing.