With the 2010 FIFA World Cup less than three weeks away, UNICEF and partners are working to prevent and reduce any possible abuse, exploitation and trafficking of children during the huge international event. \

More than 370,000 people are expected to travel to South Africa for the World Cup, which runs for a month from 11 June.
South African President Jacob Zuma and FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke are calling for vigilance in protecting children, while acknowledging the child protection efforts of UNICEF and partners as an enduring legacy of the World Cup.

“While we are excited that we'll be receiving visitors for the FIFA World Cup we must be mindful that an event of this magnitude opens opportunity for criminals with ill intentions of trafficking in women and children,” says President Zuma.

UNICEF, in collaboration with key civil society partners, is supporting the Government to develop and implement measures to prevent and reduce the possible abuse, exploitation and trafficking that some children might experience during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

A key initiative is the establishment of child-friendly spaces in cooperation with the host cities at four of FIFA Fan Fest sites in Sandton, Soweto, Nelspruit and Port Elizabeth. These spaces are operated at no charge to families and are expected to attract up to 10- 40,000 people per day to watch the games on big screen TVs.

Children will be able to play safely under the supervision of trained volunteers in the child-friendly spaces, watch the football matches, and be referred to specialized assistance if necessary.

UNICEF’s child friendly spaces will be open when the FIFA Fan Fests opens to the public on 11 June.