The Confederation of African Football, Caf and the United Nations Children's fund UNICEF, have signed a partnership aimed at promoting the rights of Children in Africa.
In a press conference organised in Yaoundé today, both parties have agreed to take advantage of the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations which starts on November 19, to advocate for Children's right.
The "Together against the marriage of Young Girls" campaign will run throughout the tournament and beyond.
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| The partnership was signed today in Yde , Photo: CAF |
This has an adverse effect on health, social integration as well as sports, reason why CAF has joined hands with the other bodies to enhance the fight.
"Football is a common language across the world and we want to use this channel for the respect of Children's rights," Unicef's Advocacy and Communications Officer Brigite Helali told reporters after the event.
Funds will equally be raised throughout this campaing to help promote the education of childre, especially girls, which is a big step to end early marriages, Mrs. Helali added.
"We want to use this period(Women's Afcon) to promote the rights of Children because we believe they are the future of our sports and the must be protected," CAF Secretary General Hicham El Amrani said.
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| Samuel Eto'o is a UNICEF ambassador |
This is not the first time Unicef have used football to pass across their message. The body has in the recent past partnered with African soccer stars like Aaron Mokoena, Samuel Eto'o, Kanu Nwankwo and Yaya Touré to fight against child labour. FC Barcelona and Manchester United have equally partnered UNICEF in recent years to advocate for children's rights.
The Women's Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted in Cameroon from November 19 to December 3 later this year.
