FIFA Guardians and new FIFA child safeguarding toolkit for member associations presented at United Nations headquarters
Following the launch of a new child safeguarding programme and toolkit for member associations last week, FIFA joined key stakeholders and other international organisations at the United Nations headquarters in New York on 16 July during a special session dedicated to discussing the protection of children against sexual violence.
Organised by the Council of Europe and its Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development, the side event entitled “We need to talk – To stop sexual abuse of children in the circle of trust” featured a special presentation by Joyce Cook (FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer), who highlighted how FIFA’s new child safeguarding programme and toolkit will play a key role in guiding and raising awareness within member associations to ensure best practice is in place to safeguard children in football.
Speaking at the meeting, Cook said: “Following the launch of the FIFA Guardians programme last week, today’s event has provided an important opportunity for leading international experts and organisations in safeguarding to come together and unite with one voice on the issue of child protection and combating sexual violence against children.
"In order to overcome and break taboos on discussing child protection and safeguarding, it’s #UptoUs to speak out and ensure that proper measures and best practice are put in place to protect and safeguard children in football.
"On behalf of FIFA, I would like to thank the Council of Europe and the United Nations for organising this important event on the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. We look forward to working with our Child Safeguarding Expert Working Group and other experts over the coming months to implement the FIFA Guardians programme and toolkit with member associations.”
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