Saying “No!” to child exploitation

Every 4 years, the FIFA World Cup captivates audiences across the globe. This year, all eyes are on Brazil, which is hosting this year’s World Cup.
While the World Cup is an exciting month-long event, the influx of tourists from around the world can also expose vulnerable children to violence and exploitation. The facts speak for themselves:

• It’s estimated that there are 500,000 children in the sex industry in Brazil
• Sexual violence is the second most reported crime against children in Brazil, with most victims aged 10 to 14.
• Child sexual exploitation during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa increased by 63% and by 87% at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

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FIFA World Cup, one month out: Plan reduces the risk of child trafficking

In Brazil, thousands of children are subjected to sexual exploitation every year – with fears more could be vulnerable as the 2014 FIFA World Cup approaches.

Unfortunately tourism is often linked with the sexual exploitation of children, due to an increasingly permissive atmosphere and the use of hotels at this time.
“While the World Cup is a joyful time, it also exposes vulnerable young children and adolescents to violence and sexual exploitation,” says Anette Trompeter, Plan International’s National Director in Brazil.

“Plan’s goal is to prevent this exploitation by raising awareness about the issue and opening doors to vulnerable children to help develop their potential,” she adds.

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Kicking goals: Girls, football and gearing up for the FIFA World Cup

With less than three months until the 2014 FIFA World Cup kicks off, we shine a light on a young woman from Brazil who found inspiration through football, and turned her life around.

When Beatriz turned 14 she went through a dark patch. “I just wanted to be out on the streets or at parties. Then, I started doing drugs,” she says.
Beatriz didn’t know where her life was heading, so when she heard about Plan’s Empowering Girls Through Football program, she saw it as an opportunity to make a change and learn about her rights. “Had I continued with that lifestyle, where would I be today?” she asks.

The program works with girls in the community to enable them to fight for their rights through participation, learning, team work and self-esteem. Beatriz has enjoyed taking part in the program and has gone on to inspire change in her community by becoming a Plan volunteer. Now she’s looking forward to the World Cup in Brazil later this year.

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