A/HRC/40/51 101. Following the gymnastics abuse case in the United States, Congress adopted legislation to prevent the sexual abuse of minors and amateur athletes by requiring prompt reporting to law enforcement authorities. Furthermore, the Center for SafeSport was named as the reporting mechanisms for allegations of sexual abuse. 64 This measure is nonetheless potentially counterproductive, as it creates a reporting mechanism parallel to the existing child protection system. 102. Since 2016, an IOC safeguarding officer has been tasked with dealing with reports of harassment or abuse at the Olympic Games; indeed, IOC calls for the presence of safeguarding officers during any sports competition. The International Netball Federation has provided for the presence of a safeguarding officer during the Netball World Youth Cup. 2. Care and recovery for victims 103. Victims’ associations have multiplied, and offer a key outlet. The Offside Trust was created by former professional players who had been victims of sexual abuse following the child sexual abuse scandal in British football. Its core aim is to end abuse in all sports and to provide support for survivors. 104. Another important project is the VOICE project, which provides a vital platform for victims of sexual abuse in the context of sports to express their experience. A report containing a set of recommendations will soon be launched and will include key actions required to ensure a safe environment for children in the practice of sports. Educational films were also produced to raise awareness about these crimes. 3. Multi-stakeholder initiatives 105. A sports policy follow-up framework was developed for the sixth International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport, held in 2017, with specific policy areas that include the safeguarding of athletes and the protection of children, with a reference to child labour as well as sexual exploitation. 65 106. The following multi-stakeholder initiatives have also taken a central role in advocating for human rights in sports and have dealt to varying degrees specifically with child rights. 107. A first key initiative is the Sports and Rights Alliance, which brings together Amnesty International Netherlands, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Football Supporters Europe, Human Rights Watch, the International Trade Union Confederation, Terre des Hommes, Transparency International Germany and the World Players Association-UNI Global Union. It aims to advocate for the respect of human rights in all activities related to sports. It engages directly with IOC, FIFA and other sports institutions. 108. The Mega-Sporting Events Platform for Human Rights brings together international and intergovernmental organizations, Governments, sports governing bodies, athletes, unions, sponsors, broadcasters and civil society groups. It has consistently advocated to prevent and remedy human rights violations. In 2017, the Platform produced a series of 11 White Papers that have served as key guidelines for all concerned stakeholders. 109. The newly created Centre for Sports and Human Rights, emanating from the work of the Mega-Sporting Events Platform, is to become the main point of reference in this domain. It aims to share knowledge, build capacity and increase accountability throughout the world of sports. The Centre is driven by the Sporting Chance Principles, which specifically refer to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. 110. Another initiative is the Sport Integrity Global Alliance, which brings together sports institutions, Governments, civil society, international organizations and the private sector. It 64 65 See www.commerce.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/19d733f8-a241-4c15-8c9aaf3aa943c0e8/314646DC3794D40C9B08BBE92E6B1784.thune-feinstein-ans-to-s534.pdf. See Kazan Action Plan, available at https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000252725. 15