15 October 2024 – The inaugural Human Rights First “Spotlight Award” was presented to the Refugee Olympic Team Paris 2024 last week during a ceremony in New York City. This Award recognises organisations and individuals that inspire others through their dedication to human rights and impactful advocacy whilst elevating marginalised voices.

During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, made up of 37 athletes, hosted by 15 National Olympic Committees and competing across 12 sports, demonstrated to the world that refugees are an enrichment to society.

Accepting the award on behalf of the team, Olympic athlete and Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF) Board member Yiech Pur Biel reflected on the significance of this honour.

“T”he purpose of this team, then and now, is twofold. To support refugee athletes to continue their athletic career and compete on the world stage. And secondly, to bring attention to and change views towards the 120 million people across the globe who, like me, have been forced to flee their homes”

Yiech Pur Biel, IOC member

Biel, a member of the first-ever Refugee Olympic Team that competed at the Rio 2016 Games, expressed pride in representing a group united under the Olympic flag. “Every single one of these athletes has a different story – they speak different languages, have different cultures and come from different countries. But they come together under one flag, the Olympic flag. They are joined together through solidarity and their love of sport,” he explained.

Biel also drew attention to the work of the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF) which extends beyond the Olympic Games, supporting young people affected by displacement to thrive through sport.

“When the lights go off, the stadiums are packed up and the crowds go home, the Olympic Refuge Foundation continues to support nearly half-a-million young displaced people across the globe through sport 365 days a year to improve their mental health and wellbeing, and to find belonging again in their new communities.”

Yiech Pur Biel, IOC member

The IOC established the ORF to support refugees and populations affected by displacement through sport. The Refugee Olympic Team will continue to act as a symbol of hope for young people affected by displacement, demonstrating the importance of enabling refugees to access sport as a fundamental human right. Biel concluded his speech at the Awards ceremony with a call to action, urging continued support for refugee athletes and the importance of fostering belonging through sport.