Athlete Empowerment Takes Center Stage At AFCON As Mission 89 and IOM Collaborate on Safer Migration For African Athletes

In another landmark collaboration led by Mission 89, international sports governing bodies are joining forces to address the challenges of exploitation in athlete migration. The policy discussion forum, organised by the organisation in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Network on Migration (UNNM), is on the margins of the CAF African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

The event, themed “Creating a Level Playing Field: Building Sustainable and Regular Migration Pathways for African Athletes”, will be held on 25 January 2024 and will witness robust conversations among key stakeholders on the role of sports governing bodies in ensuring the safety and welfare of athletes. The outcomes of the policy discussion forum aim to contribute to a global effort to ensure the protection and empowerment of young athletes. By addressing exploitation and advocating for sustainable migration pathways, the collaborative effort seeks to positively impact the lives and careers of aspiring athletes in Africa.

“At Mission 89, we truly believe in the power of sport to transform lives positively”, said Lerina Bright, Executive Director, Mission 89. “It is a powerful platform for social and economic development and plays a pivotal role in promoting inclusivity and fairness. However, the industry also presents challenges, particularly for young African talents, as exploitation, trafficking, and deceptive recruitment practices have become pervasive issues. This policy discussion forum, in collaboration with IOM and UNNM, is a crucial step in addressing exploitation in sports migration and shaping a safer future for young athletes.”

With a poignant focus on sport trafficking and exploitation in Africa, the collaborative assembly transcends the exhilarating spectacle of football, standing as a poignant reminder that within this realm of athletic prowess lies a critical imperative: safeguarding athletes, highlighting vulnerabilities, and fostering actionable discourse for change, channelling the unifying spirit of sport to advocate for human rights and dignity.

According to David Preux, Chief Of Mission, IOM Côte d’Ivoire, “IOM is dedicated to creating safe, orderly, and regular migration pathways, and we recognize the unique challenges faced by athletes in their pursuit of a better life. Collaborating with Mission 89 and UNNM at this policy forum aligns with our global strategic plan to protect vulnerable populations, including young athletes.”

The forum will also feature a roundtable session “Finding a win-win solution: A policy-led approach to safeguarding athletes from exploitation”, joined by Dr. Decius Chipande, Executive Director, African Union Sport Council; Samuel Eto’o President, Federation of Cameroon Football (FECAFOOT); Garba Baba Umar, Vice President – INTERPOL Africa; Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, President, Cameroon Olympic Sports Committee, Executive Committee, World Athletics, including a call to action by Hon. Jared Okelo, Member of Parliament, Republic of Kenya and Hon. Melrose Karminty , Minister of Social Welfare, Republic of Sierra Leone.

The collaborative efforts of sports governing bodies signal a significant step towards creating a level playing field for athletes. The outcomes of this forum will contribute to ongoing global discussions on athlete welfare, exploitation prevention, and the promotion of safer migration practices within the sports industry.

The outcomes of the policy discussion forum aim to contribute to a global effort in ensuring the protection and empowerment of young athletes. By addressing exploitation and advocating for sustainable migration pathways, the collaborative effort seeks to create a positive impact on the lives and careers of aspiring athletes in Africa.