The FIH is said to be the first International Federation to join the Centre for Sport and Human Rights as an engaged organisation ©FIH

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced that it has become an "engaged organisation" with the Centre for Sport and Human Rights (CSHR).

It is said to be the first International Federation to join the CSHR under this new membership category.

Engaged organisations have been created with the aim of securing access to the CSHR’s networks and expertise to embed human rights standards in their business.

The FIH said the role would allow it to uphold and promote its commitment to universal humanitarian values including diversity, inclusion and non-discrimination across its governance, operations, activities and events.

The worldwide governing body launched its new sustainability strategy last year where it set out its commitments to follow the United Nations Strategic Framework on Human Rights.

As part of this pledge, the FIH has vowed to support the CSHR to identify risk areas related to human rights and work on appropriate measures to address them.

"On behalf of FIH, I’d like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Centre for Sport and Human Rights for welcoming hockey’s world governing body as an engaged organisation," said FIH President Tayyab Ikram.

"Being the very first international sports federation to enter this new membership category of CSHR is an honour.

The FIH has pledged to work with the CSHR to address any risk areas related to human rights ©Getty Images
The FIH has pledged to work with the CSHR to address any risk areas related to human rights ©Getty Images

"But it also comes along with an important responsibility for FIH and our global hockey community that we are fully committed to assuming.

"Sport unites.

"Sport provides hope.

"Sport inspires.

"As such, sport has the power to act as a catalyst for positive change in society.

"We’re looking forward to engaging with and collaborating with CSHR."

CSHR chief executive Mary Harvey added: "The Centre for Sport and Human Rights exists to convene all actors in sport to address common human rights challenges and create opportunities for knowledge to be exchanged and developed.

"This multi-stakeholder approach is core to who we are and we are extremely proud to welcome FIH, Airbnb and McDonalds to the Centre as the first members of our new engaged organisations category.

"All three play important roles in governing, supporting and growing sport.

"Becoming an engaged organisation will help many actors in sport to further their journeys in integrating respect for human rights into how sport and its events are delivered."