Argomenti trattati
The International Automobile Federation (FIA), the governing body for global motor sports, recently convened its annual General Assemblies in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This event highlighted Uzbekistan as a progressive nation, while notably overlooking the country’s troubling human rights record.
In recent years, the Uzbek government has intensified its crackdown on civil liberties, with activists and journalists facing unjust criminal charges. Notably, the case of Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov, a Karakalpak activist wrongfully imprisoned for 16 years, exemplifies the dire circumstances for human rights defenders in the nation. Despite calls from United Nations experts for his release, Tazhimuratov continues to suffer in detention, with allegations of torture being dismissed by authorities.
The facts
The FIA’s own statutes emphasize the importance of promoting and safeguarding human dignity. Its Code of Ethics is designed to uphold the integrity of motor sports, yet engaging with nations that have a poor human rights track record poses significant risks. The absence of a thorough human rights impact assessment when conducting business can tarnish the FIA’s reputation and undermine the very principles it claims to stand for.
The consequences
According to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, organizations must conduct due diligence regarding their impact on human rights. This includes assessing the potential for reputation laundering—a scenario in which motor sports improve the image of regimes with serious rights violations. The FIA must heed past criticisms, especially concerning its activities in Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia, where governments have leveraged motor sports to distract from their dubious human rights records.
Call to action for FIA leadership
As FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem embarks on his second term, he faces a pivotal opportunity to adopt a more robust stance on human rights matters, particularly in Uzbekistan and beyond. The FIA should leverage its influence with governments to advocate for necessary reforms and establish a comprehensive due diligence framework. This would help identify and mitigate any adverse impacts arising from its operations.
Ensuring a progressive future for motor sports
By addressing these serious concerns, the FIA can help ensure that motor sports continue to serve as a catalyst for societal progress rather than a tool for oppression. The federation’s actions—or lack thereof—will have lasting implications not just for the sport, but for the broader landscape of human rights in the regions it engages with.
The FIA’s recent assembly in Uzbekistan serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with its global influence. If the federation is to maintain its credibility and ethical standing, it must prioritize human rights in its policies and practices, ensuring that it does not become complicit in the violations occurring in the countries it collaborates with.