UN Human Rights Office Condemns France's Ban on Headscarves for 2024 Olympics

The recent French ban on headscarves for Olympians in 2024 has drawn criticism from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

OHCHR spokeswoman Marta Hurtado highlighted during a press conference that no one should tell women what to wear, citing international human rights norms in her argument.

Marta said that France is required by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women to address any social or cultural norms that are motivated by gender bias. She issued a warning that discriminatory practices can have negative effects.

Marta contends that limitations on one's ability to practice their religion or make personal decisions are only acceptable when they directly address issues with morality, order, or public safety.

Amelie Oudea-Castera, France's minister of sport, recently said that athletes from her country will not be allowed to wear headscarves during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Following the country's decision to ban abayas in schools earlier this year, this move has created controversy and arguments over religious freedom and secularism in France. Paris will host the Olympic Summer Games in 2024 from July 26 to August 11.

The French Football Federation's prohibition on headscarves was first contested by a group of players known as "Les Hijabeuses" in 2016, but their appeal was turned down by the Council of State in June.