United Nations human rights experts have strongly condemned France’s decision to bar athletes wearing the hijab from competing in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, calling the move “discriminatory” and urging its reversal.
French authorities recently imposed a ban on religious symbols, including the hijab, for athletes, citing strict secularism laws. The decision has sparked widespread criticism from athletes, civil society, and governing organizations.
In a joint statement, eight independent UN experts—including special rapporteurs on cultural rights, minority issues, and freedom of religion—said the restrictions violate the rights of Muslim women and girls by preventing them from expressing their identity and taking part in cultural and sporting life.
They stressed that Muslim women and girls who choose to wear the hijab must enjoy equal rights to participate in all aspects of French society, including athletics.
Challenging France’s justification, the experts argued that the principle of secularism cannot be used to undermine freedom of expression and religion. “Any restrictions on these freedoms must be reasonable, necessary, and based on evidence—not assumptions, prejudices, or stereotypes,” they said.
The experts further noted that France has a duty to protect the rights of women and girls who wear the hijab, promoting equality and cultural diversity amid rising intolerance and stigmatization.
They warned that unless the ban is lifted, hundreds of thousands of Muslim women and girls may be forced to abandon sports altogether.
