The United Nations has issued a statement condemning France’s policy of banning the hijab in sports, labeling it “discriminatory” and calling for an immediate reversal. The ban, rooted in France’s strict secularism laws, prohibits athletes from wearing religious symbols, including the hijab, during sporting events like the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. The policy has been adopted by the French football and basketball federations, extending the ban to both professional and amateur levels.
In their statement, eight independent UN experts expressed concerns that the hijab ban violates the rights of Muslim women and girls to participate fully in sports and cultural life in France. The experts argued that these measures unfairly target individuals based on their religious beliefs and infringe on their freedom to publicly express their identity and religion.
The UN’s statement emphasizes the importance of equal access for all individuals, urging that “Muslim women and girls who wear the hijab must have equal rights to participate in cultural and sporting life and in all aspects of French society.” Internationally, the ban has sparked debate, with calls for inclusivity growing as the Paris Olympics draw closer.
The hijab ban reflects France’s commitment to secularism, or “laïcité,” which mandates the separation of religion from public life. However, critics argue that the policy disproportionately affects the freedoms of religious minorities, particularly Muslim women, and risks alienating them from active participation in society. The UN’s stance adds significant weight to ongoing debates around religious expression, identity, and inclusivity in sports on the global stage.
