Monaco, June 20 – On the occasion of the World Refugee Day, Peace and Sport releases its recommendations on “Sport-Based Programming for Inclusion and Protection of Refugees”.
In a world where over 110 million people are forcibly displaced, sport – universal and popular with youth – constitutes an answer to the progression of conflicts by bringing communities together. As universal language based on rules applying equally to everyone, sport also plays an important role in social development, inclusion, cohesion, and well-being of displaced people.
Through the implementation of the “Live Together” program in Zaatari camp in Jordan from 2017 to 2023, Peace and Sport has developed extensive expertise in managing multi-stakeholder sport-based programs within a refugee camp. Building on this experience the document outlines, through detailed analysis and examples, the precautions to be taken and best practices to be adopted when planning and implementing sport-based programs in refugee settings.
Peace and Sport’s global mentoring expertise
This initiative is part of part of Peace and Sport’s commitment to accompany sport for development and peace (SDP) stakeholders through a global mentoring. As member of the Sport for Refugee Coalition, Peace and Sport submitted a pledge at the Global Refugee Forum in 2023, committing to leveraging its expertise to support others in implementing effective sport-based programs to foster inclusion and provide protection for refugees.
Key recommendations
General and detailed recommendations for the main SDP stakeholders conclude the document, recalling the importance of making sport a priority in displaced people’s responses to lay the groundwork for long-term social development and peacebuilding.
As global displacement continues to rise, the commitment of all stakeholders to sport-based initiatives will be crucial in ensuring the inclusion and protection of refugees worldwide.
About Peace and Sport
An international organisation placed under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Peace and Sport signed a letter of intent with UNHCR in 2017, with the aim to reinforce sport-based initiatives promoting a “live together” philosophy, social inclusion and dialogue and ensuring that sport-based programs contribute towards addressing the protection challenges faced by young people.
About the “Live Together” program
Based on a multi-stakeholder approach, the program was launched in 2017 by Peace and Sport in cooperation with UNHCR, Blumont, the International Federations of Kickboxing, Table Tennis and Teqball (WAKO, FITEQ, ITTF Foundation), and the support of the Jordan Olympic Committee and the Government of Monaco. It introduced sport as an innovative tool to tackle social issues affecting refugees in Zaatari camp.
