Plan is watching children during the World Cup

While the world is embarking today on a month of football fever, Plan is concerned about the possible increase in child exploitation and trafficking during the World Cup. With the influx of 1.7 million visitors, it is likely that crime – such as sexual tourism, violence and trafficking – will increase as in past World Cup tournaments.

Iker Casilla, captain of the Spanish team, during a children's football match in Mali

For the first time, the world’s biggest and most watched sports event takes place in Africa which represents a unique opportunity for South Africa and its neighbouring countries to be in the spotlight as never before. But it is region of high economic and social inequalities, with a large number of poor and vulnerable children. Migration from impoverished neighbours such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi puts children at risk of trafficking. According to the International Labour Organization, more than 2500 children already cross South African borders every month. In Zimbabwe, for instance, they brave the Limpopo River but also lions and crocodiles.

Plan is anxious that the number of children crossing borders will increase during the World Cup due to perceived economic opportunities. In addition, schools in South Africa will be closed leaving children unattended and at risk of falling victim to illegal and dangerous situations such as sexual abuse.

 To help support and protect children, Plan is launching major projects in Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa to combat child-trafficking. It will strengthen community child protection by improving reporting of child trafficking cases and tracing trafficked children. Plan will also work with young people by offering them alternatives to emigration such as income-generating activities and training but also educating them about the dangers they could be exposed to in South Africa.