The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has joined forces with advocacy group Mission 89 to combat the rising exploitation of children lured into trafficking through false sporting promises.
Their new campaign, “The Line We Don’t Cross,” confronts how traffickers weaponize young athletes’ dreams, turning sports pathways into channels for abuse.
“Sport should inspire joy, not serve as a gateway to exploitation,” stressed IOM Deputy Director Ugochi Daniels. “Traffickers prey on ambition with lies, leaving children vulnerable to forced labor or abandonment.”
The initiative responds to alarming UN data: children comprise 38% of global trafficking victims, with 11% deceived by fraudulent sports academies or contracts.
Mission 89 founder Lerina Bright notes the industry’s structural flaws enable this crisis. “While celebrating sport’s power, we must protect young athletes from unethical recruitment,” she said.
The campaign targets the $471 billion–$1.4 trillion sports sector, urging federations, governments, and agents to adopt safeguarding frameworks. Practical tools—training guides, risk-assessment resources—will help stakeholders shield children.
The partnership builds on IOM’s 25-year anti-trafficking work, which has aided 100,000 victims. Stakeholders are now invited to sign an integrity pledge affirming zero tolerance for child exploitation in sports. “Every child deserves safety on and off the field,” Daniels added.
Source: newsghana.com.gh
