Namibia ratifies anti-doping law

MINISTER of Sport John Mutorwa announced that Namibia recently ratified the International Convention Against Doping in Sport, which was unanimously adopted in Paris, France, last October.

Mutorwa announced this at the opening of the Olympic House this week. Earlier, in his motivation statement to the National Assembly, Mutorwa said the ratification was extremely important to harmonise standards as well as to ensure a fair and consistent global worldwide approach in the fight against doping in sport.He said by the end of July this year, at least 30 countries including one African country had deposited their instruments of ratification, approval and acceptance with Unesco.The 30 states must have ratified the Convention before it could come into force and Namibia, being one of the countries, ratified it after it was presented by Mutorwa in the National Assembly on September 20.He said an international framework is needed to give full practical effect to the World Anti-Doping Code and to formalise global anti-doping rules, policies and guidelines that will provide a healthy and equitable environment for all athletes.Earlier, in his motivation statement to the National Assembly, Mutorwa said the ratification was extremely important to harmonise standards as well as to ensure a fair and consistent global worldwide approach in the fight against doping in sport.He said by the end of July this year, at least 30 countries including one African country had deposited their instruments of ratification, approval and acceptance with Unesco.The 30 states must have ratified the Convention before it could come into force and Namibia, being one of the countries, ratified it after it was presented by Mutorwa in the National Assembly on September 20.He said an international framework is needed to give full practical effect to the World Anti-Doping Code and to formalise global anti-doping rules, policies and guidelines that will provide a healthy and equitable environment for all athletes.