The UN General Assembly, in a symbolic and non-binding resolution, called on all countries worldwide to observe the traditional “Olympic Truce” during the upcoming Paris Summer Games. The resolution, adopted by an overwhelming majority of 118 votes in favor, none against, and with Russia and Syria abstaining, encourages member states to uphold the individual and collective Olympic truce from seven days before the start of the Olympic Games in Paris (July 26 to August 11, 2024) to seven days after the conclusion of the Paralympics (August 28 to September 8).
Prepared by France and co-sponsored by over sixty countries, the resolution underscores the “importance of cooperation among member states to apply the values of the Olympic truce globally.”
Tony Estanguet, head of the Paris Olympic Games Organizing Committee, emphasized at the UN podium, “The Games are the best embodiment of the power of sport as they spread its values of sharing, tolerance, and respect worldwide. They combine the values of sports with the diversity of the world, making them universal.”
“In the current context of conflicts and tensions we experience, we are more convinced than ever that we need the games,” he added.
Inspired by the ancient Greek tradition of “ekecheiria,” which mandated the cessation of all hostilities during the ancient Olympic Games, the “Olympic Truce” was reintroduced by the UN in 1993 following an initiative by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Traditionally adopted without a vote every two years before the Winter and Summer Games, Russia insisted on putting the resolution to a vote this year, considering the absence of a reference to “principles of legal and non-politicized access” to sports competitions as “unacceptable.” The IOC views Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 as a violation of the Olympic truce for the 2022 Beijing Games, recommending international federations not hold competitions on Russian soil and banning all official Russian symbols. The IOC has yet to decide on Russia’s participation in the upcoming Games.
Responding to Russia’s concerns, Thomas Bach, IOC President, stated, “There is a dangerous trend of political interference in sports and using it as an instrument of political pressure.” He rejected claims of discrimination against Russian athletes, emphasizing the need to respect the rules of the Olympic Charter. He also expressed concern about Russia’s announcement of organizing the “Friendship Games” in 2024, warning that if the competition takes place, “sport would then become part of the world’s political tensions and divisions.”