On World Refugee Day, UNICEF launches 'What Excites Us, Unites Us' initiative to engage football fans in support of refugee and migrant children

NEW YORK, June 20, 2018 /CNW/ - There are now more children forcibly displaced by conflict – an estimated 30 million – than at any other time since the Second World War, UNICEF said on World Refugee Day. The UN children's agency went on to warn that these vulnerable children need access to protection and essential services to keep them safe now, as well as sustainable solutions to ensure their wellbeing over the long term.

Amidst ongoing conversations over a global plan of action in support of refugees, UNICEF is urging world leaders to redouble efforts to secure the rights, safety and wellbeing of the world's most vulnerable children – so many of whom remain displaced by conflict, violence and political instability.

"On World Refugee Day, it's important to remember the threats and challenges that children on the move face daily," said UNICEF Director of Emergency Programmes Manuel Fontaine.  "Uprooted children – whether refugee, asylum seeker or internally displaced – face grave risks to their health and safety, along with significant barriers that limit access to the services they need to thrive. These children need more than just a day – they need hope, opportunities and protection. We call upon member states to renew their commitments to fulfil those children's rights and aspirations."

As the number of forcibly displaced and refugee children has reached record highs, their access to essential support and services like healthcare and education remains deeply compromised. Only half of all refugee children, for example, are enrolled in primary school, while less than a quarter of refugee adolescents are in secondary school.

The global number of refugee and migrant children moving alone has also reached previously unseen levels, increasing nearly five-fold within the five-year period from 2010. At least 300,000 unaccompanied and separated children were recorded in some 80 countries in 2015-2016, up from 66,000 in 2010-2011. The true figure of children moving alone, however, is likely to be significantly higher. Unaccompanied and separated children are at heightened risk of trafficking, exploitation, violence and abuse. Children account for approximately 28 per cent of trafficking victims globally.

UNICEF hopes the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), as well as the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), to be finalized this year, will serve as the framework for strong member state commitments to the rights of uprooted children around the world. The children's agency has released a six-point agenda for action to protect refugee and migrant children, including best practice recommendations that can be incorporated into both compacts.

At a moment when football brings fans together from around the world, UNICEF and creative partner 180LA are also launching the 'What Excites Us, Unites Us' initiative rooted in the idea that if love of sport can transcend borders, so too should support for the rights of refugee and migrant children. The campaign is a two-minute web film that tells the story of Santi, an 8-year-old boy who migrated from Bolivia to Spain, had trouble finding friends, and ultimately found acceptance in his new home country through a shared love of football. While playing, Santi and his friends are treated to a surprise visit from their hero, Sergio Ramos (Captain of the Spanish National Football Team and UNICEF ambassador).

"Every four years, the world comes together to share their passion for the men's game of soccer," said UNICEF Canada Ambassador Karina LeBlanc from this year's FIFA World Cup in Russia. "The environment here in Russia has been filled with love. As we unite in our love for the game, I challenge us all to unite in not forgetting the millions of refugee and migrant children who need to be protected and supported."

Coinciding with the web film, the 'longest goal challenge' will also be launched on social media. To kick off the challenge, Sergio Ramos calls on everyone to unite through their shared passion for football and to express their support to migrant and refugee children by sharing on social media a video of themselves shouting "goaaaaaaal" for as long as possible using #LongestGoal #WorldCup.

"The truth is soccer changed my life and I am forever indebted to the game and the love it has shown me," added LeBlanc. "Every child deserves to feel and see the greatness they have within them as well as know we are supporting them around the world with having the opportunity to thrive."

About UNICEF

UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization. We work tirelessly to help children and their families, doing whatever it takes to ensure children survive. We provide children with healthcare and immunization, clean water, nutrition and food security, education, emergency relief and more.

UNICEF is supported entirely by voluntary donations and helps children regardless of race, religion or politics. As part of the UN, we are active in over 190 countries - more than any other organization. Our determination and our reach are unparalleled. Because nowhere is too far to go to help a child survive. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicef.ca. For updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook or visit unicef.ca.

SOURCE UNICEF Canada

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