The 2025 edition of the Forum on Sport and Human Rights took place in Paris, France, on December 16, bringing together experts and stakeholders to discuss the critical links between sporting activity, human rights, and the mental and physical health of participants.

The forum, organised by the Council of Europe’s Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS), focused on the theme of "Health and Well-being" within the framework of the revised European Sports Charter. As an active member of the EPAS Consultative Committee, the European University Sports Association (EUSA) was represented at the event, continuing its long-standing collaboration with the Council of Europe to promote ethical and inclusive sport.

The day’s programme featured high-level plenary sessions and interactive roundtables. Key discussions included the topics of safety and integrity: exploring the rights of athletes to practice sport in environments free from abuse and harm; mental health in elite and grassroots sport: addressing the psychological pressures faced by athletes and the role of sport in promoting community well-being; and the topic of access and inclusion: examining barriers that prevent diverse groups from fully enjoying the health benefits of physical activity.

Speakers included prominent human rights defenders, representatives from international sport governing bodies, representatives of athletes and health experts, who shared best practices for integrating human rights standards into national sports policies.

For EUSA, the forum serves as a vital platform to align university sports initiatives with broader European values. The association continues to advocate for dual-career supports and safeguarding policies that ensure the well-being of student-athletes remains a top priority across the continent.

To learn more about EPAS and the Forum on Sport and Human Rights, please visit www.coe.int/epas