Running for democratization : A study of how sports contribute to human rights achievements for refugees in Sweden

In 2015 Sweden received a vast increase of asylum seekers and the prolonged waiting times since then could create stress and risks to cause a troublesome integration for the refugees. Moreover, previous research show how refugees are at risk of denials of civil, political, economic and social rights. Discrimination on account of gender, religion or race could cause exploitation and abuse, making them extremely vulnerable and marginalized. A more and more popular method to promote peace, justice and tolerance is to use sports. However, there is a research gap on the relationship between sports and human rights achievements. This study aims to examine the relationship between sporting activities and human rights achievements in Sweden and to understand how becoming a part of the civil society through sports, is able to help vulnerable people, such as refugees, achieve their rights. Theories connecting social development, democracy and human rights are used to explain how sporting activities could lead to democratic human rights achievements. It is concluded that sports do contribute to human rights achievements by letting people being a part of the civil society, creating social capital, teaching norms and values, and creating trust and solidarity. However, social and economic barriers, as well as racism, needs to be defeated