A/79/299 V. Conclusions and recommendations 91. Whereas sports have always been part of our life and social interactions, the right to participate in sports as part of cultural rights and the implications thereof have not been addressed by the human rights system so far. A human rights perspective on the various functions and contributions of sports to individual and shared identities, practices and social interactions needs to be further developed and understood. 92. In order to elucidate the right to participate in sports as part of the right to take part in cultural life, a shift in perspective is required, as are measures to establish an approach that is more inclusive of the values, behaviours and representations promoted by sports today. Anchoring the right to participate in sports firmly in the human rights system will require a thorough review of the existing programming, infrastructure and governance of sports at the lo cal, national and international levels, to ensure compatibility with human rights obligations and standards. 93. In order to ensure free and safe participation in sports by all, further measures must be taken by States and sporting associations. Participation in sports must challenge entrenched gender stereotypes and promote empowerment, contributing to greater gender equality by providing women, girls and gender-diverse persons with platforms to showcase their capabilities and leadership. The equal participation of minority and marginalized persons must be prioritized. Adapted and inclusive sports programmes play a critical role in promoting the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities, challenging societal stigma, and advancing such persons’ rights and dignity. 77 94. The Special Rapporteur recommends that Governments, at the national and local levels: (a) Review their national policies and programming in the field of sports with a view to bringing them into line with human rights obligations; (b) Take measures to improve the access and participation of all, without discrimination and throughout their lives, in sports and physical activities, including by securing increased funding for sports programmes that target underrepresented groups and ensuring equitable distribution of resources; (c) Take and implement specific legal and other measures to address discrimination, including indirect, intersectional and structural discrimination, and violence in all sporting activities and enforce equal treatment of all in sport, including women and girls in all their diversity; (d) Establish mechanisms to monitor the application of human rights standards by sports organizations and enforce penalties where appropriate; (e) Take steps to address misinformation and fear-based campaigns that target intersex and transgender women and girls, and conduct evidence-based public education campaigns to promote inclusion. 95. International sports associations and organizations should make it a priority to: (a) Clarify the limits of the autonomy and neutrality of sport and ensure that their responsibilities in relation to human rights standards and due diligence are realized; __________________ 77 24-14354 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Kazan Action Plan, action 5. 23/24