International Convention against Doping in Sport:
India has been re-elected as Vice-Chairperson of the Bureau for the Asia-Pacific (Group IV) at the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP10) to the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport, held in Paris marking the 20th anniversary of the Convention.
- The UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport (2005) is a multilateral treaty through which States commit to adopt national and international measures to prevent and eliminate doping in sports, ensuring fair and ethical competition.
- Adopted during the 33rd UNESCO General Conference on 19 October 2005, it entered into force on 1 February 2007.
- Today, it has 192 States Parties, making it UNESCO’s second most ratified treaty.
- Aim:
- To harmonize anti-doping laws and standards worldwide.
- To ensure a level playing field for athletes.
- To promote integrity, ethics, and health in sports by curbing performance-enhancing drug use.
- Key Features:
- Legal Framework: Mandates States to align national anti-doping measures with WADA’s Code.
- Global Cooperation: Encourages international collaboration among governments, sports bodies, and scientific institutions.
- Funding Mechanism: Establishes the Anti-Doping Fund for capacity-building and awareness programs.
- Ethical Oversight: Reviews emerging issues like gene doping and traditional pharmacopoeia to preserve sport values.
- Governance Reforms: COP sessions elect a Bureau and Approval Committee to oversee compliance and financing.
