Beyond Peace Doves: Respecting Human Rights and Combating Corruption in Mega-Sporting Events

Abstract

Fostering peace is a core goal of the Olympics and other mega-sporting events. Unfortunately, these sporting events are continually connected to (and often catalyze) human rights violations and corrupt actions that push society toward instability and away from peace. This Article reviews those problems and explores how the humanitarian goals of mega-sporting events can have a positive impact on peace, human rights, and anti-corruption efforts. In response to recent scandals, sports governing bodies have recently made significant structural reforms, at least in their governing policies, but more should be done to push these organizations towards being the peace-builders for society they aspire to become. This Article sets out the necessary next steps at this crucial time. Because it is early in the trajectory of incorporating respect for human rights and anti-corruption initiatives into the governance of mega-sporting events, it is important to fully consider our expectations for what these organizations should be doing and incorporate those expectations into their newly recognized responsibilities.

Keywords: Business and Human Rights, Business and Peace, Business and Sports, Mega-Sporting Events

JEL Classification: K29, K33, M14