– The agreement will make it possible to reach territories where internal armed conflict and other issues have prevented Colombian citizens from pursuing their life goals for years.
– Training and program strengthening, as well as joint work with national entities and the private sector, are among the objectives of this agreement.
The Ombudsman’s Office of Colombia has signed a memorandum of understanding with Peace and Sport, L’Organisation pour la Paix par le Sport, based in the Principality of Monaco (Europe), with the aim of promoting peace through sport.
Through this partnership, the parties are committed to creating spaces for the training and reinforcement of local stakeholders in the practice of different sports, with the aim of transmitting a culture of peace in the different regions of Colombia.
“We welcome the signing of this document, as it will enable us to establish a clear roadmap for reaching territories with an urgent need to boost programs encouraging new generations to look to the future. When there is an institutional offer and we work within the framework of this type of agreements, the children and teenagers are the first ones to be benefited,” said the Ombudsman Carlos Camargo Assis.
The idea behind the agreement with the Peace and Sport Organization, founded in 2007 by Olympic medalist and Modern Pentathlon World Champion Joël Bouzou, is also to raise awareness of the role of sport in strengthening social cohesion.
“Promoting a culture of peace through sporting activities means saying yes to the opportunities that Colombians are waiting for, particularly in the remote regions of Colombia, where internal armed conflict and other problems are obstructing their prospects for the future,” said the Colombian Ombudsman.
The Organization, which is placed under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, is committed to mobilizing national and international decision-makers, private, public and sports organizations to support programs aimed at fostering a culture of peace.
“We congratulate and support the Ombudsman’s decision to create a delegation for the protection of the right to sport, and we are pleased to partner with the Ombudsman’s Office in efforts for peace and the protection of human rights in Colombia. The Ombudsman’s Office plays an essential role as the guardian of human rights, protecting and promoting the well-being of all Colombians”, declared Joël Bouzou.
He added: “By implementing specific programs and initiatives together, we will strive to tackle the root causes of violence and provide sustainable solutions for lasting peace using the power of sport. We are united in our commitment to support peace efforts in Colombia”.
The Ombudsman’s Office, through its Delegate for the Protection of the Right to Sport, will continue to implement actions that promote and encourage the practice of sport as a fundamental right. In addition, it will continue to work towards the creation of awareness-raising spaces that recognize the importance of physical activity, conceived as a recreational activity, a game, or a competition.
“From the Ombudsman’s Office, we will support, protect, disseminate and consolidate this international agreement with Peace and Sport, whose main reason is none other than to contribute together to the promotion of peace in the country,” said Carlos Camargo Assis.
