Mission 89 Launches #UnitedForSaferSports global campaign to Combat Athlete Trafficking on UN International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 

In commemoration of the UN International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, Mission 89, a leading non-profit organisation focused on protecting children and young athletes from trafficking and exploitation, has announced the launch of #UnitedForSaferSports campaign.  

This initiative, led by Mission 89 ambassador and Al-Ittihad player, Ashleigh Plumptre, aims to mobilise sports organisations, fans, athletes, commercial partners, and other stakeholders to commit to ethical practices and safeguarding young athletes. 

The latest UN Global Report, released on March 12, 2025, reveals a concerning rise in child trafficking, with children now constituting 38% of trafficking victims worldwide. This number is likely much higher, and the report underscores the need for immediate action to curb this alarming trend. Among the most vulnerable to this growing crisis are young athletes. 

The trafficking of young athletes remains a significant global issue, particularly affecting those from vulnerable communities who are often deceived by false promises of opportunities abroad. Sadly, many of these aspiring athletes experience exploitation, forced labour, or abandonment. To combat this problem, Mission 89’s campaign aims to raise awareness, promote the adoption of safeguarding policies, and strengthen mechanisms for athlete protection. 

With #UnitedForSaferSports, Mission 89 seeks to collect pledges from sports organisations and key stakeholders by July 2025, committing to safeguarding young athletes from trafficking and exploitation. A significant focus of the initiative is to raise awareness about the risks involved in sports recruitment, educating athletes, organisations, and the public on these critical issues.  

Ultimately, the initiative strives to strengthen athlete protection by developing robust mechanisms and cultivating a culture of accountability and ethical recruitment in the sports industry. 

Stakeholders are encouraged to sign a pledge to actively combat trafficking in sports over a commitment period of two to three years, with the possibility for renewal. By signing, they agree to incorporate a modern slavery statement into their regulations, raise awareness in their communities through education and public engagement, and utilize the toolkit provided by Mission 89, integrating its resources into their policies and operations. 

 Mission 89 will provide stakeholders with a comprehensive toolkit to support their commitment, including:  

• • Essential resources to educate and engage stakeholders on the issue of sports trafficking. 
  • Infographics and short videos highlighting key statistics and insights. 
  • Informational materials and presentations for educating members on the risks and prevention of sports trafficking. 
  • Safeguarding and Anti-Trafficking Workshops in June/July 2025 for your Safeguarding Officers and designates, including annual webinars for larger organisations to reinforce their commitment. 

 To participate in this initiative, we have outlined a simple three-step process: 

1. Review Campaign Materials: In May, we will provide federations with campaign materials, including social media templates and guidance on selecting a youth ambassador. We will also host an information session during the SportAccord Convention in 2025.
2. Sign the Pledge: Your federation can sign the pledge during the SportAccord Convention or by July 1, 2025, to join our global network of committed organizations. 
3. Campaign Launch: Join us in launching the campaign on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, July 30, 2025, to raise awareness and promote athlete protection.