GSS2117 - Natalie Doman Blog #8

 

 Discuss if you think the ban of Russia and Belarus from the last few Paralympic Games is fair and in alignment with the IPC values...do you think the IPC is making the right decision? 

- Controversial but important reaction to the geopolitical scenario following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) decision to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from the most recent Paralympic Games has drawn much debate. The IPC first permitted these athletes to compete under a neutral flag at the 2022 Winter Paralympics; however, following protests and threats of boycotts from other countries, it changed its mind. Though this suspension was eventually reversed on procedural grounds, the IPC subsequently suspended National Paralympic Committees for both countries for failing to maintain ideals of fair play and ethical behavior. Most recently, the IPC decided to let Neutral Paralympic Athletes from Russia and Belarus compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympics without national symbols or medal tally inclusion. Proponents of the prohibition say it fits the IPC's objectives by fostering peace and sympathy with Ukraine; opponents say it unfairly punishes athletes for their countries' behavior and politicizes sports. All things considered, the IPC's activities show a challenging but intentional effort to strike a balance between ethical duty and the values of justice and inclusion in a very complicated world setting.

Do you think they should continue to remove the Russian and Belarus NPCs from participating in future IOC/IPC events? 

- A difficult question that depends on balancing ethical obligation with fairness to individual athletes is whether Russia and Belarus should be barred from next IPC or IOC tournaments. Ongoing suspension of their National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) can be viewed as a reasonable reaction if the policies of these countries continue to breach the basic objectives of the Olympic and Paralympic movements such as peace, respect, and equitable competition. But, banning whole national delegations forever has the possibility of unjustly punishing athletes who might not support or be engaged in political choices made in their nation. Allowing athletes to compete under a neutral flag, for example, would be a more balanced strategy that would maintain the integrity of the Games and keep the inclusive and apolitical character of international sport. Eventually, consistent application of IPC and IOC values as well as a clear evaluation of whether the NPCs are fulfilling their responsibilities under those values will help to lead the decision to maintain the suspension.

Do you think disabled sports should hold events in Russia and Belarus?  

- Under the present political situation, hosting impaired sports tournaments in Russia or Belarus would be quite improper. Although international sport is supposed to be open and apolitical, the reality is that selecting a host country has great symbolic significance. Holding events in Russia and Belarus would seem to ignore or legitimize actions violating international law and fundamental human rights, given Russia's continuing war in Ukraine and Belarus's support of that aggression, therefore compromising the fundamental values of disabled sports and the Paralympic movement including peace, respect, and fairness. There are also major questions about the safety and well-being of athletes, officials, and fans, especially those from nations critical of the Russian and Belarusian governments. Such initiatives would be made more difficult by legal and logistical obstacles including travel restrictions and international sanctions. Disabled sports groups should not hold competitions in Russia or Belarus unless significant political change takes place.

 Should athletes and officials from Russia and Belarus be able to participate in sport events outside of those countries?  

- Athletes and officials from Russia and Belarus should be allowed to participate in international sports events outside their countries, but only under neutral status. Completely banning individuals based solely on nationality risks unfairly punishing athletes and officials who may have no involvement in or support for their governments’ actions, which contradicts the principles of fairness and inclusion in sport. However, allowing them to represent their countries while those governments continue to violate international norms such as through the invasion of Ukraine would undermine the ethical standards and values upheld by international sporting bodies. A balanced approach, where individuals can compete without national symbols, flags, or anthems, allows them to continue their careers while sending a clear message that international sport does not condone the actions of their governments. This compromise upholds the integrity of sport while maintaining pressure on state actors to respect international law and peace.

https://www.paralympic.org/press-release/ipc-makes-decisions-regarding-rpc-and-npc-belarus?fbclid=IwAR3zAi5KVUQl0OlWlEkQAczwnTfDUGGpTWr90MeZBaq3wjc1c4RfbXtkjSo

https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-belarus-permanently-banned-from-paralympics-committee/

https://www.nbcsports.com/olympics/news/russia-paralympic-committee-banned-ipc

https://www.paralympic.org/news/ipc-general-assembly-partially-suspends-npc-russia-and-npc-belarus