On March 25th, the International Day for the Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is observed to honor the millions of Africans who were forcibly taken from their homes and families to be sold into slavery. This day provides an opportunity to reflect on the continued impact of slavery and the need for greater efforts towards its eradication.
The Sport industry, like many other industries, has a long history of benefiting from the labor of enslaved individuals. Many sports were built on the backs of enslaved people who were forced to perform physically demanding tasks with little regard for their wellbeing. This history of exploitation and oppression is not fully eradicated from the sport industry today, impacting the lives and opportunities of many who suffer at the hands of human traffickers.
As we observe this day, it is important to recognize that the impact of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade extends far beyond the historical context. The systemic racism and inequality that persist today are rooted in this history of exploitation and oppression.
It is our responsibility as members of the Sport industry to use our platform and influence to advocate for change and promote inclusivity and diversity. By acknowledging the impact of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade on the Sport industry and committing to the SIGA Universal Standards on Good Governance in Sport, and on Youth Development and Protection in Sport, we can work towards creating a equitable and just future for all individuals involved in sports.
Let us continue to honor the memory of those who suffered under slavery and work towards creating a just, accessible, and equitable world for all.
The SIGA Permanent Committee on Gender, Race, Inclusion and Diversity (GRID)
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ABOUT SIGA
SIGA is the world´s leading organisation for Sports Integrity. Supported by more than 200 international multi-industry supporters, we are creating a whole new landscape for the global sports industry by promoting the implementation of the highest integrity standards and delivering independent global rating and certification for Sport.
Funded by its members, SIGA is the only organisation to bring together all key stakeholder groups – Sport, Government, International Organisations, Global Business and Civil Society – from every region in the world, around one critical, fundamental Cause: to foster greater Integrity throughout Sport.
SIGA is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, as a non for profit association, funded by its members, and comprises of the following continental subsidiaries: SIGA AMERICA, SIGA EUROPE and SIGA LATIN AMERICA.
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For more information on SIGA, including its vision, mission and reform agenda, please refer to the website: www.siga-sport.com.
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