The Republic of Rwanda has officially joined the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) coalition during the FIA’s General Assemblies, currently underway in the Rwandan capital, Kigali. This important commitment was solidified during a high-level meeting between Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Richard Nyirihishema and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem when both leaders signed the UAOA charter indicating their commitment and dedication to the campaign and its mission.

UAOA, founded by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and supported by the FIA Foundation, has established itself as the leading global campaign in the fight against online abuse in the sporting world. The coalition unites sporting organisations, national governments, regulatory bodies, and technology platforms to tackle online harassment through world-leading research, international forums and events, and the development of practical evidence-led solutions.

The latest addition is set to galvanise the campaign and provide renewed determination as it looks towards a productive and busy 2025 with landmark publications, partnerships, events and announcements all on the horizon.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, UAOA Founder and FIA President, said:

"I am honoured to welcome Rwanda to the United Against Online Abuse coalition and discuss with Minister Nyirihishema how important this initiative is to protect the integrity of sport worldwide.

The Rwandan Government’s partnership with the campaign is a further demonstration of the growing global trust in the campaign’s ability to drive meaningful change. The 2024 FIA General Assemblies in Kigali have been a great success, and I am delighted that this commitment from the Rwandan Government will form part of the lasting legacy from this event."

Rwanda’s endorsement comes at a time of significant growth for the campaign as it releases fresh research and welcomes new members to its coalition. UAOA now has 28 coalition members, including 9 national governments. Over the coming months further governments and sporting federations are set to join the coalition and pledge their formal support for the campaign’s ongoing work.

Earlier this week the campaign released groundbreaking research into the impact online abuse has on sports journalists which is now so severe that is threatening press freedom. This research continues UAOA’s record in setting the global benchmark in researching and tackling online abuse across the sporting ecosystem.

The recent progress of the campaign was also celebrated at two key events during the FIA General Assemblies in Kigali this week. During the World Motorsport Council members were updated that during the final quarter of 2024 the coalition grew by 63%, welcoming new signatories from ARISF and the Namibian Government, along with endorsements from UNESCO and the FIH. UAOA also held a session for FIA Member Clubs which featured a keynote address from the FIA President followed by updates on the campaign’s latest research and community achievements.

For further 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/