Discrimination against minors with regard to access to sporting federations in Spain
11.2.2004
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0497/04
by María Valenciano Martínez-Orozco (PSE)
to the Commission
In answer to Anna Terrón’s Question E-4005/03[1], the Commission refers her to a reply given to myself (P-3911/03)[2], which refers to discrimination against foreign minors, and therefore has nothing to do with the situation facing Community minors.
Every Member State national enjoys European Union citizenship, and all discrimination on grounds of nationality is banned by the Treaties and the Draft European Constitution (Articles 4 and 8).
Article 31 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child recognises the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in culture life and the arts, and states that countries shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity.
Article 24 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights lays down the right of minors to protection and to the care necessary for their wellbeing.
In Spain there are serious cases of discrimination against children with regard to their access to sporting leagues, in terms of administrative red tape or the refusal of the Sports Federations to allow them to join, although they are Community citizens.
What is the Commission’s view of the refusal of Spanish sporting federations to allow children who are nationals of EU Member States to join, thus preventing them from practising their chosen sports?