Samenvatting

This thesis focuses on the upcoming Olympic Games in Sochi in 2014 and provides an analysis of ethics regarding the preparations. For the past few years, the situation of the preparations in Sochi has become more and more controversial. This thesis will provide an answer on the question whether the Russian Federation respects the Olympic Code of Ethics regarding Human Rights, environment and human dignity.
A fact is, that hosting a major event like the Olympic Games, is always associated with benefits and disadvantages. It is important to maintain the balance between the Olympics as a celebration for everyone and whether the Olympics have been organized in a proper ethical way according to the Olympics Code of Ethics.
The policy of the Kremlin and the concept of nation branding are important during the process of preparations. The Olympic Games can be a great showcase for Russia and a promotion for the country. The Sochi organizing committee is namely responsible for the organization in general and other small committees are occupied with specific tasks in order to host a successful event.
Human Rights are very important in the process of preparations for the Olympic Games. The position of migrant workers, who are active in the Sochi region in order to construct and modernize venues, is very vulnerable and can cause exploitation. The demolishment of houses of local residents without compensation can also be seen as a violation of Human Rights. The position of minorities like the Circassian people who were deported from their original homeland on Sochi territory and witnessed genocide on this same territory is rather painful in this case.
It is important to find a good balance between nature and constructing new venues and infrastructure in an ecological paradise regarding the aspect of environmental issues. A number of prominent NGO's raised the attention towards the environmental violations that took place during the preparations according to their reports.
A major event like the Olympic Games will have its effect and legacy on the local residents in Sochi and in the Sochi/Krasnodar region. The question is whether the local residents are willing to sacrifice Human Rights and environmental violations in order to perhaps start a new future in a new and fully modernized city of Sochi. It can also have positive effects on the employment rate and the attraction of more tourists during the winter season due to the new venues and facilities.