Government of Rwanda pledges support to United Against Online Abuse at FIA General Assembly in Kigali
The Republic of Rwanda has officially joined the Alliance Against Online Abuse (UAOA) at the FIA General Assembly currently underway in Rwanda’s capital Kigali. This important commitment was solidified during a high-level meeting between Rwandan Sports Minister Richard Nyirihishema and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, when both leaders signed the UAOA Charter, signaling their commitment and commitment to the campaign and mission.
Founded by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and supported by the FIA Foundation, UAOA has established itself as the leading global campaign fighting online abuse in sport. The coalition brings together sports organisations, national governments, regulators and technology platforms to tackle online bullying through world-leading research, international forums and events, and the development of practical, evidence-based solutions.
The latest additions will reinvigorate the campaign and provide renewed determination as we look ahead to a productive and busy 2025 ahead of a host of landmark publications, partnerships, events and announcements.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, UAOA Founder and FIA President, said:
“I am honored to welcome Rwanda to the Coalition Against Online Abuse and to discuss with Minister Nyirihishema how important this initiative is to protecting the integrity of sport around the world.
The Campaign’s partnership with the Government of Rwanda further demonstrates the growing global confidence in the Campaign’s ability to drive meaningful change. “The 2024 FIA Congress in Kigali was a huge success and we are delighted that this commitment from the Government of Rwanda will be part of the event’s lasting legacy.”
Rwanda’s endorsement comes at a time of significant growth for the campaign as it publishes new research and welcomes new members to the coalition. UAOA currently has 28 coalition members, including nine national governments. In the coming months, more governments and sports federations are expected to join the coalition, pledging formal support for the campaign’s ongoing work.
Earlier this week, the campaign published groundbreaking research into the impact of online abuse on sports journalists, which is now so severe that it threatens press freedom. This study continues UAOA’s track record of setting a global benchmark in researching and addressing online abuse across the sports ecosystem.
The latest progress in the campaign was also celebrated at two major events during the FIA General Assembly in Kigali this week. Members of the World Motorsport Council updated the federation with 63% growth during the last quarter of 2024, with new signatures from ARISF and the Government of Namibia and recognition from UNESCO and FIH. UAOA also hosted an FIA Member Club session featuring a keynote address from the FIA President and updates on the latest research and community achievements of the campaign.
For more information about the campaign, please visit: www.unitedagainstonlineabuse.com
To read the UAOA 2024 Sports Journalist Barometer, please visit: https://unitedagainstonlineabuse.com/2024-sports-journalist-barometer/
