With the Children Win campaign, Terre des Hommes has been demanding for years that major sporting events should not have a negative impact on the inhabitants of the host cities. The worst fears have been confirmed for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Civil society is fighting back against these fears.
Terre des Hommes (the Federation) launched the Children Win campaign in early 2014. The aim of the campaign is to ensure that major sporting events are held without negative effects on the inhabitants of the host cities. The mistakes of the past should not be repeated. For the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio 2016 this goal could not be achieved. The feared forced relocations, police violence and disregard for human rights are taking place. Although the Games have become a nightmare for many, they do not simply accept the situation.
Grassroots organisations make mobile
One month before the start of the Games, hundreds of people demonstrated in front of the Parliament in Rio against the social consequences and the high expenditure for the Games. There is particularly strong opposition to the increase in police violence as a result of the new security concept for the Games. Human rights organisations documented an increase in the number of homicides by the police. The majority of victims are young black men from the favelas.
Games of the excluded" as counterpoint
Many grassroots organisations have set themselves the goal of making the voices of those affected heard and drawing attention to the other side of the coin. terre des hommes schweiz supports the Comite Popular Rio Copa e Olimpíada, a network of grassroots organisations, in this endeavour. The Comite is planning a colourful and self-organised counterpoint to the opening ceremonies of the Games from 1 to 5 August. With the counter-event "Games of the Excluded", they want to set an example against the abuses. The event is planned as a mixture of sporting and playful components, political discussions and workshops. Through critical debate, constructive proposals for sustainable urban development for Rio de Janeiro are to be developed.
What can I do?
The Children Win campaign has launched an online petition to the International Olympic Committee. Call on Thomas Bach, the President, to exert pressure on the government of Rio de Janeiro to stop human rights violations in connection with the Summer Olympics. Sign the petition on our Children Win page.
On the opening day of the Olympic Games, our special newsletter on Rio 2016 will be published with current information on the "games of the excluded" and interviews with affected mothers from Rio. Sign up for the newsletter here.
