Child trafficking in sport: FIFA backs new initiative to safeguard children
Zurich, Switzerland (PANA) - World Football Governing body, FIFA, is supporting a new initiative to end child trafficking in sport as the United Nations (UN) raises awareness on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, celebrated annually on 30 July.
According to the FIFA media channel, two organizations - Anti-trafficking charity Mission 89 and GoodCorporation - are behind the new initiative which aims to help clubs and sporting bodies stop the ‘real and growing problem of child trafficking in sport’.
The initiative has produced a Framework on Safeguarding Children from Trafficking in sport which draws on the best practice models from international organisations like UNICEF, FIFA and StreetFootballWorld.
The framework includes:
A Code of Ethics that places the special rights of children in sport at its forefront
Ensuring that the welfare of children in sport that holds all stakeholders, be it major international governing bodies or local sports clubs at grassroots level, accountable for the youth in their care
The harmonisation of rules and regulations to do with the recruitment of children who are players/athletes
Raising awareness and education on issues to do with the trafficking of children in sport.
The framework is currently being piloted by the International Federations of Muaythai Associations, an IOC recognised organisation.
Stephan Fox, Secretary General of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) and President of the Alliance of Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS), said: “The trafficking of children and talented young athletes in the name sport is an abomination. At IFMA we take our child protection and safeguarding responsibilities very seriously. We recognise our duty, or rather our responsibility, to ensure that all our Nak Muays (athletes) are properly protected.
“We have clear safeguarding policies and procedures in place to ensure an equal protection over all our stakeholders with no discrimination or separation in terms of race, religion, ability, sexual orientation or others. We are one family. Following the principles of this framework will enable us to further ensure the highest standards of practice are in place and to take a lead in this important area for all sports.”
Paul Tergat, former world marathon record holder and elite Kenyan long distance runner, also backed the launch.
“There is a general growing and serious problem where people are exploiting sports to engage in human trafficking, especially targeting children. Every effort to curb this vice deserves the support of all of us that love and protect the beauty and spirit of sports. As such, I welcome the launch of this noble and timely framework and laud the efforts of Mission 89 and GoodCorporation in seeking to combat this menace. I ask people, especially those with leadership and positions of influence to give their voices to this effort”.
FIFA launched its Guardians Programme in July 2019 to assist member associations and confederations around the world and introduce stronger child safeguarding measures in football.
A post on FIFA's official website on Thursday read: “Human trafficking is a crime that exploits women, children and men for profit and numerous other purposes.
“Every country is affected by human trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims. Criminals the world over continue to traffic women and girls for sexual exploitation and forced labour, whilst conflict further exacerbates victims' vulnerabilities, with armed groups exploiting civilians and traffickers targeting those displaced from their homes.
“The world of sport, including football, has not been spared from this problem. Every year, thousands of young people, particularly from Africa, Asia and South America, are at risk of being sold a false dream of a career in Europe by those who may aim to exploit them for profit and economic gain.
“As the international global regulator [of football], FIFA must consider the life prospects of all young players; not only the elite few, but also the majority that never make it to the highest professional level.”
Commenting on the launch of the new initiative, Baroness Lola Young said: “Human trafficking is a scourge on modern society affecting almost every business sector, in almost every country.”
“On the United Nations’ World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, I welcome the launch of this initiative and support its aims to tackle the real and growing problem of child trafficking for sport.”
-0- PANA VAO 30July2020
