Civil society partnerships

Harnessing the power of football for peace

In times of conflict and emergencies, sports can provide children with a sense of hope and normalcy. Boys play football with a ball provided by UNICEF as part of recreational supplies for children, in Kounoungo camp, Chad.

NEW YORK, 21 September 2004 – Peace and sport have long been intertwined. This year, the International Day of Peace recognizes that connection with its theme ‘Peace through Sport’. In connection with the Day, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA, football’s international governing body) is making a special contribution to UNICEF’s work for post-conflict peace-building in 12 countries.

FIFA is donating 1,200 ‘Sports-in-a-Box’ kits to be distributed in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Colombia, Guinea, Haiti, Liberia, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Sudan. (Last year, FIFA supported UNICEF girls’ education programmes in 11 countries by donating ‘Sports-in-a-Box’ kits.)

This initiative will help demonstrate how sport can be used to improve the lives of refugees, help reintegrate former child combatants and provide peace education in conflict zones.

UNICEF believes that the fundamental principles of football – respect for opponents and for rules, teamwork and fair play – are consistent with the principles of creating a long-lasting peace among nations.

UNICEF and FIFA are committed partners in the use of sport to help build a culture of peace and tolerance by bringing people together on common ground, across national and other boundaries to promote understanding and respect.

The International Day of Peace is observed as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence. Nations, organizations and individuals are invited to commemorate the Day through education and public awareness.

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