FIFA and WHO join forces in campaign against domestic violence

FIFA and the World Health Organization (WHO) join forces to raise awareness about domestic violence and support people at risk with the #SafeHome campaign, which will broadcast messages from 23 active and retired footballers for 16 days, from this Thursday and until December 10, Human Rights Day.

Players such as the Spanish Álvaro Arbeloa and Oliver Torres, the Portuguese Vitor Baia and Abel Xavier, the Italian Marco Materazzi, the Nigerian Emmanuel Amunike, the Cameroonian Germe Njitap and the Argentine Milagros Menéndez will publish messages against violence on their social media channels, within of an initiative launched today on the International Day Against Gender Violence.

The president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, assured that the organization “will continue to make the voice of football heard to amplify this message until these types of acts are no longer part of our society”, in the second year of the #SafeHome campaign.

“Violence is never the answer; especially in the home, which should be a safe environment for everyone, and in particular for women and children. It is a statutory obligation for FIFA to respect all internationally recognized human rights and, as an organization , FIFA will always strive to promote the protection of these rights, “he said.

For his part, the Director General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stressed that “the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many inequalities and health problems” and that “we must all unite to put an end to all forms of violence and discrimination ”.

“WHO is pleased to team up with FIFA and soccer stars around the world to help prevent violence against women and children, support victims, and make our societies safer and healthier for all. “he added.

#SafeHome

The #SafeHome campaign, which includes five videos and supports the WHO message to end violence against women and children, is published in seven languages ​​over the next 16 days and aims to raise awareness of the risks, as well as indicate measures prevention through advice and support for victims.

FIFA explained that it also presents content that addresses the risks related to aggressors and that calls for an additional effort on the part of governments to support people who are in a vulnerable situation.

“Once again, we call on FIFA member associations to proactively publish data on national or local helplines and support services that can help anyone who feels threatened by violence,” Infantino added.

The FIFA President urged its member associations “to review their own safeguards using the FIFA Guardians tool to ensure that football is fun and safe for everyone who plays our sport, and especially for the younger members of the football team. soccer community “.

“This is what FIFA represents and defends, and it is what all football has to defend”, at the launch of the campaign, which will also be present on the different digital platforms of FIFA and WHO and which will be sent to the 211 federations to echo the messages in their territories.

FIFA recalled that in 2019 it signed a four-year collaboration agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO), aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles through football throughout the world. (I)