The FIFA world cup will bring many challenges to those who work in child protection. Although government, in association with FIFA, has comprehensive plans to deal with children in and around stadiums and fan parks, (where international visitors may see children!) and has supported extensive anti-trafficking public awareness, there is little activity around providing for the needs of children in rural, peri-urban and urban areas that will not be in the public eye.

Schools will be closed, feeding schemes (on which approximately 60% of our children are dependent on and are attached to school attendance), will not be operating and parents and caretakers will have to continue working. The very conditions that make children vulnerable to being trafficked and involved in other forms of exploitation are not being addressed.

Civil Society organisations concerned with the protection of children have collaborated, and with the support and coordination of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund team, have embarked on a CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN campaign.

This campaign is child rights based and premised on the fact that:

• all children have a right to safety and protection;

• families and communities supported by government, are the main custodians of child safety and protection;

• all children must be accounted for at all times; and o everyone can play a role in child protection.

The campaign approach:

• The strategy starts with what is present in the community, the capacities of its residents and workers.

• The approach concentrates on the agenda building and problem solving capacities of local residents, local associations and local institutions.

Objectives include:

• Raising community awareness of the risks facing children.

• The creation of a movement for the protection of children nationally and regionally.

• A call to action in order to advocate for children’s rights with government, FIFA, SASA and business as key players in the campaign.

• Ensuring the protection and safety of children during the World Cup 2010 and beyond.

• Informing the public, government, business and sports bodies of the Risks for children and the need to reduce these.

• Advocate appropriate responses to ensure the care and protection of children.

Key messages

• Champions protect children.

• You can be a champion for children.

Participating Child Rights Organisations include:

• Child Welfare South Africa o Childline South Africa

• Civicus

• Save the Children

• Johannesburg Child Welfare

• Child Rights Centre

• Gauteng Children’s Rights Commmittee

• Molo Songololo

• Media Monitoring Africa

• Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund