Project report

Launch of Child Protection Campaign in the Lead-Up to the FIFA World Cup 2026

emmab · 21 Jan 2026

Abstract

PRESS RELEASE Bangkok, Thailand – January 21, 2026 Launch of Child Protection Campaign in the Lead-Up to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Big events with a large audience and festive atmosphere represent risks of trafficking and sexual exploitation for children and teens. Businesses—transport, accommodation, booking platforms, or entertainment—around the FIFA World Cup stadiums face a heightened risk of their services and operations being misused by perpetrators, while travellers may not feel confident enough to overcome barriers to reporting. This is why the #WeProtectChildren campaign is engaging businesses to mitigate these risks by creating protective environments for children while empowering travellers to spot and report child sexual exploitation. “FIFA would like to commend ECPAT International and the Down to Zero Alliance, together with PACT – Protect All Children from Trafficking (USA), the International Bureau for Children’s Rights – IBCR (Canada), ECPAT Mexico and some Members of The Code supporting the #WeProtectChildren campaign. As the International Football Regulatory Body and organiser of the world’s largest sporting event, we encourage such positive initiatives to complement the safeguarding measures that we put in place for our accreditation holders and to address the broader social aspects during the World Cup.” — FIFA Representative. Why Protecting Children and Teens Matters During the FIFA World Cup While millions of visitors flock to host cities simultaneously, travel and tourism venues, including hotels, restaurants, transport hubs, and accommodation platforms, can be misused by perpetrators to groom and exploit children (any person up to 18 years old). Unfamiliar reporting systems and language barriers can prevent travellers from recognising or reporting concerning behaviour. The campaign tackles these issues with a unifying message: One team. One Goal. What Makes This Campaign Impactful The campaign aims to build a global network of business allies and The Code members across the travel and tourism sector. Hotels, restaurants, taxis, and airlines can display campaign materials at their venues and through their channels, turning every participating business into a member of one team with one goal: protecting children from sexual exploitation. Travellers receive tips on what to watch for and are encouraged to report any suspicious situations they may observe from airport arrival to taxi rides, and from stadium gates to hotel check-out. Men are invited to be part of the team by showing care, empathy and support to children and youth. Campaign Launch The campaign officially launches on January 21, 2026, with a webinar bringing together business leaders, tourism authorities, travellers, and community advocates to join the campaign. “Travel and tourism businesses are uniquely positioned to protect children through their day-to-day operations—across in-person interactions, financial transactions, and online activity,” said Guillaume Landry, Executive Director at ECPAT International. “Protecting children is not only the right thing to do; it is the foundation of building a truly sustainable tourism ecosystem—in preparation to, during and beyond big sport events”. Businesses can register as campaign partners and access free campaign assets through the campaign page. Travellers can find relevant reporting channels in the USA, Canada, and Mexico through the same platform, access the campaign materials and show their support by sharing posts on social media. —— Campaign Lead Gabriela Kühn Head of Private Sector and Child Protection ECPAT International gabrielak@ecpat.org About ECPAT International ECPAT International is a global network of over 140 civil society organisations across more than 100 countries, united in the mission to end the sexual exploitation of children. With over 30 years of experience, the network works at national, regional, and global levels to advocate for a world where every child is free from sexual exploitation. ECPAT International is the implementing partner for the Down to Zero Alliance. About the Down to Zero Alliance The Down to Zero Alliance is committed to the protection of children and the prevention of sexual exploitation in 12 countries in Asia and Latin America. Terre des Hommes Netherlands (lead), Child Rights Coalition Asia (CRC Asia), Conexión, Defence for Children – ECPAT, Free A Girl and Plan International work together in the Down to Zero Alliance with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands to address the sexual exploitation of children. The post Launch of Child Protection Campaign in the Lead-Up to the FIFA World Cup 2026 appeared first on ECPAT.