Mission 89 and United Through Sports Introduce Sports Federations to New Initiative Tackling Child Trafficking in Sports

United Through Sports, Mission 89 Launch Groundbreaking Initiative to Combat Child Trafficking in Sport at AIMS General Assembly

At the recent General Assembly of the Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS), Julia Govinden, the Chief Executive Officer of United Through Sports, urged the global sports community to unite for a concerted effort to protect children and young athletes from the serious threats of exploitation and trafficking. 

Ms. Govinden also unveiled a strategic partnership between Mission 89 and United Through Sports for “The Line We Don’t Cross”, a global campaign dedicated to eliminating child trafficking connected to sport.

In her address, she underscored the critical importance of establishing safe environments and implementing protective measures that prioritise the welfare of these vulnerable individuals. Her message reinforced the need for collaboration in the sports sector to ensure that the rights and safety of young athletes are vigorously upheld and defended against these alarming challenges.

Central to the campaign is the United Declaration on the Elimination of Child Trafficking in, through and around Sport, which establishes sport’s collective responsibility to uphold human rights and safeguard young athletes.

The campaign aims to secure 300 signatories worldwide, a powerful statement that the sports industry will no longer tolerate exploitation.

Lerina Bright, Executive Director of Mission 89, underscored the urgency of the initiative: “Children account for 38% of identified trafficking victims globally, with 11% lured through false promises related to sport. These aren’t just statistics, they represent children whose dreams of athletic success are weaponized into channels for exploitation and abuse. This Declaration represents our collective refusal to allow sport, a $1.4 trillion global industry, continue operating with inadequate safeguarding systems. Every signature is a commitment to action, accountability, and lasting change.”

A comprehensive stakeholder consultation process is now underway, with international sports federations among the first invited to participate. Throughout the remainder of 2025, consultations will expand to include young athletes, intergovernmental organisations, government agencies, agent associations, professional clubs and academies, civil society groups, and corporate sponsors.

Stephan Fox, President of AIMS, emphasised the unique challenges facing the alliance’s 96 member federations: “With only 40 federations currently part of the Olympic program, many of our members face significant resource constraints. Our approach to safeguarding must therefore be both realistic and resolute; we must protect while also giving hope.”

“Policy frameworks cannot remain on paper; they must be enforced with accountability and grounded in the realities our federations face. Mission 89, with UTS support, is taking unprecedented steps to protect young athletes with integrity, dedication, and good governance. It is our shared duty to support this work as we build a safer, more inclusive sporting world,” he stated.

Why Participate?

Participation in this initiative demonstrates leadership and a genuine commitment to safeguarding in sport. It strengthens trust, transparency, and credibility across the sporting ecosystem while unifying the global sports community around a critical humanitarian cause.

Mission 89 and United Through Sports invite all members, partners, and stakeholders to participate in the consultation process and sign the declaration. Together, we can ensure that every athlete, everywhere, can pursue their dreams in safety and dignity.

The line has been drawn. Which side of history will you stand on?