On Thursday, June 20th, 2024, the side event “Mobilizing against Trafficking, Exploitation and Modern Slavery in Sports – A Call to Action” took place in Room XXIV at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The event was organized by the Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to monitor and combat trafficking in persons and by Mission 89, a research, education, and advocacy organization that fights the exploitation of young athletes through social and economic transformation, and co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of the Holy See and the Permanent Mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta in Geneva.
Speakers:
- H.E. Prof. Michel VEUTHEY, Introduction, Ambassador to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Sovereign Order of Malta
- Prof. Parosha CHANDRAN, Moderation, Professor of Practice in Modern Slavery Law in The Dickson Poon School of Law, King’s College London
- Mr. Kevin HYLAND, OBE, Keynote Speaker, Global Strategy Director, Santa Marta Group, and first Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner for the UK Government (2014-2018)
- Ms. Lerina BRIGHT, Executive Director, MISSION 89
- Ms. Kathryn LESLIE, Safeguarding and Child Protection Department Senior Manager, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
- Mr.John-MichaelLANDER,Testimony through video statement, Survivor of child sexual abuse and certified Trainer and Life Coach, Self-Talk Institute
- Ms. Amy Eun Byul PARK, Head of Integrity,World Baseball Softball Confederation (WSBC).
The event highlighted alarming statistics: nearly 50 million people are exploited annually, generating $236 billion in illicit profits. Significant challenges were identified in major sports events such as the Olympics. Specific problems were identified in football, baseball, ice hockey, and basketball, particularly in youth sports and lesser-known disciplines.
Kevin Hyland clarified misconceptions about human trafficking, emphasizing its distinction from smuggling. He highlighted vulnerabilities like poverty and climate displacement and advocated for preventative measures and accountability among governments, law enforcement, and civil society.
John Michael Lander shared his harrowing personal experience as a survivor of abuse and trafficking in sports and emphasized the critical need for comprehensive protections for young athletes.
Lerina Bright described Mission 89’s research initiatives and educational programs to raise awareness and resistance against sports-related trafficking. Collaboration with UN agencies and grassroots organizations was highlighted as crucial for effective action.
Kathryn Leslie outlined FIFA’s safeguarding systems in 211 football federations and strategies for FIFA World Cups to prevent exploitation and mentioned new regulations targeting football agents and educational campaigns for athletes and families.
Amy Eun Byeol Park discussed trafficking risks in baseball and softball, particularly in Latin America. She emphasized WBSC’s educational efforts and highlighted practices in safeguarding young athletes.
Finally, panelists and participants engaged in discussions on trafficking for sexual exploitation, collaboration with governments, international organizations, and civil society, and legal gaps that need attention to improve accountability and prevention. The event concluded with a call for collaborative efforts to raise awareness, funding, policy development, education, and develop prevention strategies to combat human trafficking in sports effectively.
