Cultural, sports neutrality ends where genocide begins: UN
Xanthaki pointed to the precedent of sporting and cultural boycotts during South Africa’s apartheid era and argued that institutions now face a defining moral test
NEW YORK, United States (MNTV) – UN Special Rapporteur on Cultural Rights Alexandra Xanthaki warned that silence from international sports and cultural institutions over Gaza risks normalizing impunity for future atrocities.
“When we talk about the genocide in Gaza, we do not refer to geopolitics,” Xanthaki told Anadolu. “We refer to one of the very few values we have all agreed as humanity to respect.”
She criticized major bodies like FIFA, UEFA, and the Eurovision Song Contest for failing to act against Israel despite a UN committee’s finding that genocide is taking place in Gaza. The same institutions had swiftly banned Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
“We cannot continue business as usual, and sports cannot pretend that they don’t have to take a position,” Xanthaki said. “It’s not about politics – it’s about common values of humanity.”
Her remarks contrasted with FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s recent statement that “FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems,” which she said confuses neutrality with indifference.
Xanthaki pointed to the precedent of sporting and cultural boycotts during South Africa’s apartheid era and argued that institutions now face a defining moral test. “There was no reason to delay the vote,” she said. “These associations have a crucial decision for their future. History will judge them.”
She also noted that many of these organizations are based in Switzerland, making the country legally responsible to ensure they respect human rights.
Xanthaki distinguished between states and individuals, saying national teams should be barred while athletes could compete under neutral status, similar to how Russian athletes participated in the Olympics.
“Any state engaged in acts of genocide has to be pushed aside,” she said. “And any state that takes measures for accountability and listens to the victims should be allowed to return.”
She added that her stance does not dismiss the Oct. 7 Hamas attack but stressed that Israel’s conduct represents deliberate, disproportionate state action.
“The fires of the bombs are still burning, the children are still without food,” she said. “And we are still talking about huge violations of human rights.”
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