German Sports Embrace Human Rights and Inclusion with DOSB Policy and E-Sport Initiatives

The German sports sector is advancing its commitment to human rights and inclusion through several key initiatives. Celebrating two years of the German Olympic Sports Confederation's (DOSB) human rights policy, Joachim Rücker, DOSB Human Rights Advisory Board managing director, emphasized the policy's role in improving human rights visibility in sports. To implement it effectively, an action plan is being developed in partnership with the German Sports Youth (dsj), aiming to prevent human rights violations across diverse sports areas. Lasse Müller, advisory board member, stressed the importance of engaging clubs with small but impactful measures to strengthen human rights. Additionally, ongoing round tables foster dialogue among civil society and political actors to address human rights challenges strategically.

Simultaneously, the Deutsche Behindertensportjugend (DBSJ) has focused on inclusion within E-Sport, hosting an online event titled "Inclusion & E-Sport" with 43 participants from sports, youth work, and communities. The DBSJ's position paper highlights E-Sport’s role as an independent, complementary youth activity that supports inclusive youth work within disability sports. Presentations at the event discussed standards for inclusion, equal opportunities, barrier-free technologies, and safe digital environments. Notable speakers included Christopher Flato of the E-Sport-Bund Deutschland and Paralympian Niklas Luginsland of VfB Stuttgart. The event concluded with keen interest in practical steps for inclusive E-Sport offerings, with plans for pilot projects and further collaboration in the coming year.