During the 77th EJU Congress held in Gran Canaria, a vote was conducted on the establishment of the Human Rights Commission. The attending national delegates voted in favour of adopting the declaration. The European Judo Union recognises the fundamental role of sport in upholding and promoting human rights, human dignity and respect for all individuals.
Inspired by the value of Jita Kyōei (mutual prosperity), Judo must provide an environment where every person, regardless of age, gender, ethnic or national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, or any other status can participate safely, with integrity and without discrimination. This Declaration is grounded in internationally recognised human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Council of Europe’s Sport Charter, and the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020+5. The EJU reaffirms its dedication to making judo an inclusive, safe, and fair sport.
As the governing body for judo in Europe, the EJU is committed to upholding internationally recognised human rights across all activities and events, working with its Member National Federations to prevent discrimination, promote inclusion, and ensure safe and respectful environments for all. This commitment includes advancing gender equality, fostering diversity and accessibility, whilst also implementing robust safeguarding measures with zero tolerance for abuse or harassment.
EJU Secretary General, Dr Martin Poiger, believes the Approval of the Human Rights Declaration is a strong starting point:
“The approval of the European Judo Union Human Rights Declaration at the EJU Congress marks an important milestone for European Judo.
“This Declaration sends a strong and necessary signal. Regardless of how advanced individual National Federations may be in the area of human rights, safeguarding, and inclusion, the essential first step is awareness. By adopting this Declaration, we clearly affirm that human rights are fundamental to our sport.
“I would like to thank the EJU Executive Committee and all EJU Member Federations for their collective commitment in approving this Declaration, as well as the EJU Human Rights Commission for its dedicated work in preparing it. This reflects the unity of the EJU as a whole.
“The adoption of this Declaration is a starting point, not an endpoint. The EJU, and in particular its Human Rights Commission, stands ready to support Member Federations in implementing these principles through guidance, education and co-operation.
“This is a very important signal that the values of respect, dignity and responsibility remain at the core of Judo in Europe.”
Author: Szandra Szogedi