Tribune news network
Doha
In a united effort to address human trafficking in sports, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Qatar, Mission 89, and Generation Amazing Foundation (GA) hosted an impactful roundtable discussion.
The event brought together global leaders, athletes, and experts to share insights and reaffirm their commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals in the sports sector.
Themed "Expanding the Fight Against Human Trafficking: Prevention of Trafficking in Mega-Sport Events,” the day opened with remarks from the Deputy Director General of Operations, IOM, Ugochi Daniels, who spoke about the evolving landscape of mega-sporting events. "From every major sporting competition, there’s increasing recognition that tournaments must prioritize human rights, safe migration, and the protection of all participants”.
"With Qatar’s successful hosting of the 2022 World Cup, and the region’s growing prominence in global sports through Morocco’s co-hosting of the 2030 World Cup and Saudi Arabia’s selection for 2034, we have a unique opportunity to set new standards”, she stated.
"Our responsibility extends beyond the final whistle – we must ensure that mega-sporting events do not become venues for exploitation and trafficking, but rather serve as beacons of safe, orderly, and regular migration, creating pathways of opportunity and hope for all involved. The Middle East’s emerging role as a hub for international sports presents a pivotal moment to strengthen these protections.”
In her address, Lerina Bright, Executive Director of Mission 89, emphasised that the trafficking of young athletes is a crime against individuals and an assault on the essence and integrity of sports.
"As sports fans and anti-trafficking advocates all look ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, we understand that the trafficking risks we’ve documented are evolving.
"Through Mission 89’s work, we’ve learned that prevention requires not just vigilance, but a complete reimagining of how we protect young athletes in the global sports ecosystem”.
The event featured a landmark presentation of the new Global Thematic Report on Sport Trafficking by Dr. Monique Emser, providing new insights into the mechanisms of exploitation. The report revealed disturbing trends, including an increase in reported cases of sports-related trafficking over the past five years, complex recruitment networks operating across multiple continents, the exploitation of digital platforms to target vulnerable youth, and the particular vulnerability of athletes from developing nations.
Nasser Al Khori, Executive Director of Generation Amazing Foundation, highlighted how Qatar’s World Cup legacy is being leveraged through sport for development programmes to build resilient communities.
"GA was born from Qatar’s World Cup journey, reaching over a billion people across four continents. Now, as a key legacy foundation of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, we’re leveraging our global football for development network to contribute to safeguarding efforts and protecting vulnerable young athletes worldwide.
"I believe that the State of Qatar has continued to deliver on its promise of legacy by acting as an oasis of dialogue on mega sporting event related research.”
IOM Qatar’s Chief of Mission, Ewa Naqvi, provided context about the international dimensions of sports trafficking.
"Qatar’s position as a global sporting hub gives us both an opportunity and a responsibility,” she noted.
"While data shows that major sporting events can become focal points for trafficking networks, these same events can become powerful platforms for prevention and awareness through adequate preparation and partnership. The protocols we’re developing here in Qatar can serve as a model for sporting events worldwide.”
The day concluded with The Walking Football Match, an innovative advocacy initiative by Generation Amazing Foundation that emphasises the importance of communication and access to adequate resources. The initiative demonstrated how sports can serve as both a medium for awareness and a tool for change.