Lighting the Torch of Human Rights: The Olympic Games as a Vehicle for Human Rights Reform

The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games provides an opportunity to better China\u27s human rights record through the authority of the International Olympic Committee as a nongovernmental organization and through China\u27s own self-interest in embracing the international spotlight of the Games. The Beijing Games is a chance to utilize the prestige of hosting the Games to transform a nation\u27s human rights record and to set a precedent for human rights worldwide. The use of the Games as a vehicle for human rights reform can effectuate political and social change