A United Nations body has voiced its opposition to France’s ban on its athletes wearing the hijab during the upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
Responding to inquiries about France’s decision to prohibit French female athletes from wearing the hijab at the Paris Olympics, a spokesperson for the United Nations Human Rights Office rejected France’s approach to the ban, stating, “No one should impose on women what they should or should not wear.”
Marta Hurtado, the spokesperson for the office, added, “According to international human rights standards, restrictions on expressing one’s religion or beliefs, such as clothing choices, are only acceptable under specific circumstances when they address legitimate concerns related to public safety, public order, health, or morals in a necessary and proportionate manner.”
These comments come just days after the French Minister of Sports, Emmanuelle Ordonneau Castéra, announced that French female athletes would be prohibited from wearing the hijab during the Paris Games as part of upholding secularism principles.
Paris is set to host the Summer Olympic Games from July 26 to August 11 next year
