UN Experts Condemn France's Hijab Ban in Sports as Discriminatory

Independent UN experts urge France to reverse bans barring Muslim women from wearing hijabs in sports, citing rights violations.

France has enforced bans on hijabs in sports, including during the Paris 2024 Olympics, citing secularism rules.
UN experts argue these bans are disproportionate and infringe on the rights of Muslim women and girls to express their identity and religion.
The bans have been applied by French football and basketball federations, affecting athletes at both professional and amateur levels.
The UN statement emphasizes that secularism should not justify restrictions on freedom of expression and religious belief.
Experts call on France to protect the rights of hijab-wearing women and promote cultural diversity and mutual respect.