16 July 2021

The Australian Human Rights Commission, in partnership with FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), and the New Zealand Human Rights Commission, have today announced they will work together ahead of the next FIFA Women’s World Cup, set to be held in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.

The two national human rights commissions along with FIFA will identify the human rights risks and opportunities associated with the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and make recommendations for prevention and response.

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FIFA Chief Social Responsibility and Education Officer Joyce Cook said: “Ensuring respect and protection of human rights, including safeguarding and child protection, is a strategic objective and priority for FIFA and a requirement for our hosts.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is the first time that human rights requirements have been thoroughly embedded in the bidding phase and will be implemented together with host countries for a FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“We are delighted to partner with the two national human rights commissions in the next step of this process and look forward to engaging with stakeholders in Australia and New Zealand as part of the consultation process over the coming months.”

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The human rights risk assessment will be conducted using the framework outlined in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which is the authoritative global standard for addressing and preventing human rights impacts associated with business activity.  

The Australian and New Zealand Human Rights Commissions and FIFA will publish their findings and recommendations in a report to be released later in 2021.