Full Minutes of the Meetings

SESSION OF THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2004

Production of Sports Products for the Olympic Games

Karamanou (PSE). – Mr. President, Commissioner, the organization of the 2004 Olympic Games in their birthplace, Greece, is a very good opportunity to highlight the humanitarian values associated with the spirit of “Olympism,” as well as with the letter of the Olympic Charter, which emphasizes respect for global fundamental human rights.

Based on the serious violations of workers’ rights that we observe, many of whom are women and children, in the production of sportswear and footwear, we call on the European Commission to take action and demand that sports goods industries and their global federation implement the rules of the International Labour Organization. The Commission should also cooperate with the International Olympic Committee to ensure that the International Olympic Committee includes respect for internationally accepted workers’ rights in the Olympic Charter and the Code of Ethics. We further call on the International Olympic Committee to require that contracts with sponsors and commercial companies include adherence to internationally recognized labor standards as well as fundamental rights. All products bearing the logo of the International Olympic Committee should be manufactured in accordance with the rules of the International Labour Organization.

I would also like to emphasize, Commissioner, the importance of an information and awareness campaign for Europeans in view of the 2004 Olympic Games.