IOM AND MISSION 89 LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO END CHILD TRAFFICKING IN SPORTS

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has teamed up with Mission 89 to launch “The Line We Don’t Cross,” a global campaign tackling the growing problem of child trafficking disguised as sports opportunities. IOM’s Ugochi Daniels stresses, “No child should be trafficked under the guise of sport.” The campaign exposes how traffickers prey on young athletes’ dreams with false promises, turning sport from a source of joy into a pathway for abuse.

Mission 89 founder Lerina Bright highlights how unethical recruitment and weak safeguards make vulnerable children easy targets. With sports worth up to $1.4 trillion globally, the campaign pushes for stronger protections, reformed recruitment, industry education, and zero-tolerance pledges to keep children safe on and off the field.