(ATR) The UN secretary general says he hopes the Sochi Olympics will not be dominated by protests against Russia’s anti-gay law.
Speaking after making forceful comments about the issue in his address to the IOC Session, he said: "I hope that this Olympics will be the venue where all the people regardless of their sexual orientation, LGBT, all these people, will be able to enjoy the harmony, friendship and mutual respect and compete in the spirit of the Olympic Movement.
"That’s what the Russian government has committed."
He dodged a question asking if he was planning to speak with Vladimir Putin about the issue at a reception being organized by the Russian president, just hours before Friday’s opening ceremony.
"I know that there has been some controversy over this issue," the South Korean replied.
"At the same time I appreciate President Putin for his assurances that there will be no discrimination whatsoever and that people with different sexual orientation are welcome to compete and enjoy this Olympic Games."
He added: "As I have been repeatedly consistently stating in the spirit and framework of the universal declaration of human rights, everyone has a right to be treated equal regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.
"This is a fundamental principle of human rights."
Earlier today, he became the first UN chief to address an IOC Session and used the platform to strongly criticize any discrimination of the LGBT community.
"Many professional athletes, gay and straight, are speaking out against prejudice," he told the Session.
"We must all raise our voices against attacks on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or inter-sex people. We must oppose the arrests, imprisonments and discriminatory restrictions they face."
Referencing Principle 6 of the Olympic Charter that notes the IOC’s opposition to any form of discrimination, he highlighted the UN’s "Free and Equal" campaign.
"Hatred of any kind must have no place in the twenty-first century," he added.
As the bloody Syrian conflict rages on, Ban repeated his call for all warring parties to lay down their weapons during the Games and respect the Olympic Truce "especially in Syria, South Sudan and the Central African Republic".
The Sochi Olympics, Ban said, would show how sports can help empower women.
"Just think – for the first time in the history of winter Olympic Games, women will compete in ski jump. I will be cheering for women to jump as high and leap as far as their talent will take them," he said.
"This is women’s rights in action, and we have a responsibility to build a platform for women to jump.
IOC member from South Africa Sam Ramsamy told Around the Rings that Ban was right to warn Russia to respect principle six in the Olympic Charter which covers discrimination.
"He has emphasised that particular point and I think it was necessary," Ramsamy said.
"I do believe, like Thomas Bach said, the Russian authorities will not only respect it but will enforce principle six. The important thing is we have to protect the Olympic Movement and we have done that."
Written by Mark Bisson.20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.
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