Global conflicts threaten safe travel for athletes

As the Milan-Cortina Winter Games approach, the United Nations and the International Olympic Committee have called on warring parties around the world to halt hostilities for 52 days. UN Secretary‑General António Guterres and IOC President Thomas Bach invoked the ancient Olympic truce tradition, asking governments and armed groups to observe a ceasefire from seven days before the opening ceremony until seven days after the Paralympics. The appeal comes as wars rage in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan and elsewhere, raising fears that violence could disrupt travel and endanger athletes and spectators.

Ancient tradition revived in plea for humanity

The Olympic truce dates back to ancient Greece, when city‑states paused wars so athletes and spectators could travel safely. Today the concept is largely symbolic, but the UN General Assembly passes a truce resolution ahead of each Games. Guterres said even a partial reduction in fighting could save lives and allow humanitarian aid to reach besieged areas. Organizers emphasise that the Winter Games should be a celebration of peace, yet geopolitical tensions linger: Russia remains banned from competing under its own flag because of doping and its invasion of Ukraine, and Israel could face protests over the war in Gaza. Skeptics note that previous appeals for truces have been ignored, but Guterres and Bach insist that reiterating the call is important for humanitarian reasons. Whether governments will heed the plea remains uncertain as athletes prepare to compete under their national colours.