Hijab in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Athletes can wear a hijab in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games athletes’ village without any restriction, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Friday, days after France’s sports minister banned it for the host country’s athletes.

IOC Announcement

The Olympic body also said it needed to better understand the situation in France and had been in contact with the French Olympic Committee (CNOSF).

French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera said on Sunday that French athletes would be barred from wearing a hijab during the Paris Games to respect principles of secularism.

“For the Olympic Village, the IOC rules apply,” an IOC spokesperson said. “There are no restrictions on wearing the hijab or any other religious or cultural attire.”

Athlete Accommodations

The vast majority of the approximately 10,000 athletes at the Olympic Games reside in apartments in the Olympic Village and share common spaces, including dining halls and recreational areas.

“When it comes to competitions, the regulations set by the relevant International Federation apply,” the IOC spokesperson said.

French Regulation

“Since this French regulation relates to the members of the French team only, we are in contact with the CNOSF to further understand the situation regarding the French athletes,” the spokesperson said.

Home to one of Europe’s largest Muslim minorities, France has implemented laws designed to protect its strict form of secularism, known as “laicité”, which President Emmanuel Macron has said is under threat from Islamism.

The French decision to bar its athletes from wearing a hijab was criticized by the United Nations human rights office this week.

Paris will host the Summer Olympics from July 26 to August 11 next year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can athletes wear a hijab at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games?

Yes, athletes can wear a hijab in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games athletes’ village without any restriction, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

2. Are there any restrictions on wearing religious or cultural attire in the Olympic Village?

No, there are no restrictions on wearing the hijab or any other religious or cultural attire in the Olympic Village, as per the IOC rules.

3. Why did the French Sports Minister ban the hijab for French athletes?

The French Sports Minister banned the hijab for French athletes to respect principles of secularism, citing concerns related to the French regulation known as “laicité.”

4. What is the position of the United Nations human rights office on this issue?

The United Nations human rights office criticized the French decision to bar its athletes from wearing a hijab, raising concerns about potential human rights implications.