The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on 17 May 2020 announced that the Islamic Republic of Mauritania has become the 189th State to ratify the UNESCO International Convention against doping in sport (UNESCO Convention).
“WADA is pleased to welcome Mauritania into the Clean Sport Community. In ratifying this convention, it joins 98% of world governments that have already pledged their support to the anti-doping movement,” declared the WADA President, Witold Banka. “We would particularly like to acknowledge the efforts that have been made by the Sports Minister of Mauritania to bring this to fruition. This is a positive step for sports in the country as it looks at further progressing its National Anti-Doping Organization while remaining an important member of Africa’s Zone I Regional Anti-Doping Organisation. WADA remains committed to assisting and supporting Mauritania’s efforts to plan, develop and implement the necessary infrastructure for a sustainable and effective anti-doping programme,” he added.
Adopted on 19 October 2005, the Convention is the legal instrument by which governments formalise their commitment to the fight against doping in sport. It allows governments to align their domestic policies with the World Anti-Doping Code, and to thus harmonise the rules governing the fight against doping in sport and public legislation.