UN Official Applauds IOC's New Measures to Protect Female Athletes
Synopsis
The UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women, Reem Alsalem, has lauded the IOC's groundbreaking policy aimed at safeguarding women's categories in Olympic sports, marking a significant step towards gender fairness in athletics.
Key Takeaways
The IOC's policy restricts female categories to biological females.
Effective from the Los Angeles 2028 Games, it applies to all sports.
UN's Reem Alsalem supports the policy for fairness and safety.
The policy is not retroactive but allows for potential remedies.
International Federations are urged to implement similar rules.
Geneva, April 3 (NationPress) - The UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, Reem Alsalem, expressed her support for the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) new policy focused on the 'Protection of the Female Category in Olympic Sport.'
Recently, the IOC revealed a revised policy that safeguards the female (women's) category in Olympic competitions. This policy stipulates that eligibility for any female category across all IOC sports, including the Olympic Games, will be restricted to biological females.
The IOC Executive Board has greenlit this policy, which will be enforced starting with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and will not be applied retroactively. This rule encompasses all events in the female category, whether in individual or team sports. Furthermore, the IOC has encouraged International Federations (IFs) and other sports authorities to implement this policy when establishing eligibility criteria for IOC events.
"This new policy is grounded in common sense, evidence, and scientific principles. It reinstates dignity, fairness, and safety for women and girls participating in Olympic sports," stated Alsalem. "I perceive this policy as a vital, proportional, and just action to safeguard the rights of women and girls, consistent with international human rights laws and norms."
She further emphasized that while the policy is not retroactive, it does not prevent the IOC from addressing previous inequalities. This includes the possibility of issuing apologies to female athletes who faced unfair competition and considering the awarding of retrospective parallel medals.
"Such actions would acknowledge the suffering experienced by female athletes and demonstrate a genuine dedication to accountability and the restoration of their rights, ensuring that such issues do not recur," she remarked.
Point of View
The IOC's recent decision represents a critical move towards ensuring fairness in women's sports. It emphasizes the need for policies that protect the integrity of female categories and aligns with international human rights standards.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IOC's new policy regarding female athletes?
The IOC's new policy limits eligibility for female categories in Olympic sports to biological females, effective from the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Who is Reem Alsalem?
Reem Alsalem is the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, advocating for the rights and safety of women in various spheres, including sports.
Will the policy apply retroactively?
No, the IOC's policy will not apply retroactively but may allow for remedies for past injustices.
What does the policy aim to achieve?
The policy aims to restore dignity, fairness, and safety for women and girls in Olympic sports.
What are International Federations encouraged to do?
International Federations are encouraged to adopt this policy when establishing eligibility rules for IOC events.
