Following the 2026 Winter Olympics, experts at international human rights foundation Global Rights Compliance issued a statement calling on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to address its failure to uphold human rights and enforce serious policy changes.
The statement, issued by President of Global Rights Compliance Wayne Jordash KC, comes after the IOC’s decision to ban Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych from competing in the skeleton competition for wearing a helmet commemorating Ukrainian athletes killed in Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At least four athletes from Russia were allowed to compete despite expressions of support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to Global Rights Compliance.
In 2024, Global Rights Compliance previously released evidence showing that many Russian and Belarusian athletes who competed at the Paris Olympics violated participating rules through expressions of support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. The statement this year urged the IOC to enforce meaningful policy changes to meet its international human rights commitments and prioritise Ukraine.
The Communication Group plc supported Global Rights Compliance with a tailored media engagement strategy around the Winter Olympics and Paralmypics to showcase their expertise and to put pressure on the IOC. Online and print coverage of the statement was showcased in top target UK media, including leading national, City A.M.
