Mission 89 is a research, education, and advocacy organisation working to prevent the exploitation of children and young athletes through stronger safeguards, credible evidence, and accountable sport systems.
To combat the exploitation of young athletes by generating independent research, advancing education initiatives, and advocating for stronger international safeguards in sport.
A global sports system where every child is protected, informed, and able to pursue opportunities free from trafficking, abuse, and exploitation.
Child protection. Accountability. Integrity in sport. Evidence-based action. International collaboration.
Mission 89 is a non-profit association dedicated to protecting young athletes from exploitation and trafficking. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, we advocate for regulatory frameworks based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and international standards. Accountability must be supported by proper regulations, protocols, and guidelines to hold stakeholders responsible for the safety and wellbeing of young athletes.
Mission 89 actively engages with stakeholders on the issue of sport trafficking. We bring together researchers, policymakers, child protection specialists, sports federations, educators, media partners, and advocacy networks across more than fourteen countries to combine independent evidence, public education, campaign work, and practical tools that help institutions act earlier and more effectively.
We produce evidence-based analysis on trafficking in sport, deceptive recruitment, and the systems that leave young athletes vulnerable, such as the Global Thematic Report on Sport Trafficking (2024), produced in partnership with Loughborough University and CPA UK, to help policymakers respond with better policy, better regulation, and better prevention.
Through workshops, toolkits, campaigns, and the SafeSport Academy, we translate complex safeguarding issues into clear, practical, and accessible information for athletes, families, educators, sports bodies, community partners, and over 156 safeguarding officers.
Mission 89 engages with the United Nations, the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, INTERPOL, FIFA, IOM, and national governments to strengthen accountability, and encourage sport stakeholders to adopt safeguards that protect the child rights of minors and young migrant athletes.
Practices of false recruitment, unsafe migration, and unregulated training pathways remain serious issues in the global sports industry. Mission 89 is advocating for the dignity and child rights of all young athletes and for stronger enforcement of regulations designed to protect minors. We also address the specific vulnerabilities trap lead young athletes into fraudulent recruitment and trafficking, promoting sport pathways that are safe, transparent, and rights-based.
Switzerland
Belgium
United States
Our three legal entities strengthen our global reach and ensure compliance with international regulations in our fight against trafficking in sport.