Emily Mader/26 Feb. 2008/4:30pm/Human Rights
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has come under the scrutiny of multiple participants in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games for their lack of action on China’s human rights violations. Several of the voices of dissent hail from Holland; all have voiced concerned over China’s human rights abuses. They claim that China should be doing more to aid the situation in Darfur, Sudan, where the country has heavy investments in oil. Stephen Spielberg quit his role as art director for the Games this February citing China’s lack of action in Sudan. Also, eight Nobel Peace laureates have voiced the same concern over China’s lack of involvement in an area where the country has much influence. Beijing assures the public that they have invested in peace efforts in Sudan and that the Olympic Games should not be politicized.
I agree with the dissenters; the Olympic Games represent a unification of people all around the world in a peaceful event that is meant to booster camaraderie through healthy competition. How then can such an organization not be critical when its host country turns a blind eye to serious human rights violations that can be ameliorated? As a country that has economic influence – which can go a long way – in the Sudan, China is morally obligated to intervene in the conflict. The IOC, though it is being hosted by Beijing, needs to push for China to take this role. I think China is running away from the issue by saying that the Games should not be politicized.
http://sport.guardian.co.uk/breakingnews/feedstory/0,,-7331697,00.html
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