Check against delivery - Speech by Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe

Dear Ministers, Excellencies

dear Friends,

In 1967, the great British cyclist, Tom Simpson, collapsed as he ascended Mont Ventoux, during the Tour de France.

His life could not be saved.

He was not the first to use performance-enhancing drugs, nor the first to die as a result.

But he was the first to die on television — and his death became the impetus for much of the anti-doping legislation that is in place today.

Sadly, neither Tom’s death, nor the regulation that followed, has stopped athletes from taking drugs, nor some coaches and staff from supplying them.

We all know the potential long-term effects of doping – and its terrible consequences.

That is why the Council of Europe, more than four decades ago, took action – and helped negotiate the first anti-doping convention.

It has been operational for more than 35 years.

And it is firmly based on a foundation of human rights –

And it is guided by the European Convention on Human Rights to which all 46 member states of the Council of Europe are committed.

There is absolutely no reason why basic rule of law principles shall not apply to sports – and legal procedure within sports.

That is why we appointed a special working group of experts three years ago – and they developed a very useful set of guidelines and principles – guided by Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights – the right to a fair trial.

It is important also to note that the Council of Europe Anti-Doping Convention works in tandem with the UNESCO Convention, as they are the only two international treaties that provide a binding legal framework for states to combat doping in sports.

As we to today have come together to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the UNESCO Convention, we very much share the same goals – and we seek to create a robust and comprehensive approach –

With conventions, relevant legislation and regulations – and a monitoring system that is effective – and with national anti-doping institutions being our first line of defence – together with the important work of WADA.

The Council of Europe has worked with WADA over many years to ensure that the World Anti-Doping Code reflects sporting standards of fairness, the respect for fundamental human rights, and our democratic values.

We also collaborate with National Anti-Doping Organisations – and in June, earlier this year, in Bergen, Norway, we held a high-level conference which brought together – for the first time – NADOs from all over Europe – paving the way for enhanced contacts and co-operation, and the sharing of good practices.

Dear Friends,

Many of the challenges to sport, as a matter of fact, are the same as those we face throughout society.

Crime, corruption, racism and other kinds of discrimination.

Abuse in sports, exploitation, disinformation, imbalances of resources, imbalances of power, bad governance.

Through our Sport Strategy, the European Sports Charter and our sport conventions, we strive to promote integrity in sport.

As I already mentioned, the Council of Europe Anti-Doping Convention was the first treaty of its kind. And we are committed to a global anti-doping that is effective and efficient.

The Saint-Denis Convention helps uphold safely for those who participate in and attend sport events.

Illegal betting and match-fixing is not just a threat to sport integrity, it undermines democratic societies and the rule of law.

And the Macolin Convention unites public authorities with sports organisations, competition organisers and betting companies to combat manipulation of sports competitions.

But there is strong lobbying and at times they even find support from certain governments.

However, I note the number of states parties to the Convention has doubled over the past three years.

Violence against children in sports happens far too often, affecting all countries and disciplines alike, and can occur at grassroots to elite-level in sports.

Most victims suffer in silence and never get help.

With the “Start to Talk” initiative, we want to provide support and tools to governments and sports organisations – be it the need to:

• Improve legislation and policies
• Set up child safeguarding strategies
• Develop codes of conduct
• Provide professional training to coaches, mangers and policy-makers

Or just to raise awareness – and empower parents and children.

Finally, over the last 20 years we have promoted good governance frameworks in sports and combatted corruption.

MARS, our Network of Magistrates and Prosecutors for Sport is strengthening international co-operation and the exchange of information on the integrity in sport – and 46 European governments have now adopted a Declaration on Sport Integrity.

And our influence extends beyond Europe.

The Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) – a platform for co-operation and dialogue currently has 41 member states – including three from outside Europe, because sport is an international and a universal language. And the challenges we face are often the same.

Tom Simpson paid the ultimate price for his desire to win the Tour de France. As we work together to prevent doping in sport, let us remember Tom.

And I am proud that, together, all of us in this room – and many, many individuals and organisations beyond – are working towards the same goal:

A better sporting world.

A world where athletes have access to the same opportunities, no matter their race, gender of politics.

A world without unfair advantage, exploitation or corruption.

A world where sport is played in all its magnificent diversity – but where everyone plays by the same rules of fairness and integrity.

Thank you for your attention.