Sports Event Raises Awareness on Human Trafficking on International Day of Families in Turkmenistan

The International Day of Families is observed worldwide on the 15th of May every year. Themed "Families and Inclusive Societies", this year's celebration explored the role of families and family policies in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 in terms of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.

In Turkmenistan, the United Nations Population Fund, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and International Organization for Migration teamed up with the Ministry of Sports and Youth Policy, the Football Federation and the Sports Club of People with Disabilities of Turkmenistan to mark this occasion with a sports event gathering over 120 men, women and children.

At the event, which took place on 19 May, participants ran a mini-marathon and competed in various sports disciplines, such as football, table tennis and chess. UNODC disseminated leaflets on trafficking in persons. Participating youth volunteers designed and displayed posters with key messages, such as "Have a heart for victims of trafficking", "Some things should never be for sale. Act to Stop Human Trafficking" and "We must all get on board to Stop Human Trafficking. It is everybody's business".

The event was a wonderful platform to promote civic values, disseminate the benefits of sport in keeping youth away from drugs and crime, and emphasize the key role of families in creating and sustaining peaceful and inclusive societies. Children growing up in supportive families develop positive cognitive, emotional and social characters thus becoming stable and peaceful adults. The United Nations supports the rights of all people to live healthy, safe, empowered and fulfilled lives.

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For more information, please contact Ms. Vasilina Brazko,

National Communication/PR Officer at UNODC

Tel. +996 312 32 18 93; +996 775 98 78 17

e-mail: vasilina.brazhko[at]unodc.org