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Belarus at UN Geneva: Health and sport are key social policy priorities in Belarus

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MINSK, 23 June (BelTA) - Public health, physical education, and sports development are among the top priorities of Belarus’ social policy, Belarus’ Permanent Representative to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva Larisa Belskaya said during the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, BelTA learned from the Belarusian Permanent Mission in Geneva.

“Women and girls are actively involved in the development of sports in the country and demonstrate outstanding results at international competitions, including the Olympic Games. Women are represented in 42 out of 47 national teams at the international level, including in sports such as judo, karate, sambo, weightlifting, shooting, biathlon, and modern pentathlon, which confirms that all sports are accessible to women in Belarus,” Larisa Belskaya emphasized during the discussion on intensifying efforts to empower women and girls in and through sport.

A notable example of ensuring inclusion and the rights of women with disabilities is the success of Belarusian Paralympians in cross-country skiing, biathlon, rowing, and athletics, she noted.

Larisa Belskaya emphasized that favorable conditions for involving women and girls in sports are ensured through the construction and maintenance of health and sports centers, the organization of sports clubs for children and youth, and the conduct of mass sporting events across the country.

“We welcome the recent decision by the IOC Executive Board to lift all restrictions on Belarusian athletes. We call on event organizers not to create artificial barriers in the form of visa restrictions. Sport should serve peace, development, and friendship, and not be instrumentalized for political purposes,” Larisa Belskaya added.

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