Following the recent launch of the #SafeHome campaign, a joint initiative by FIFA, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Commission to support women and children at risk of domestic violence, FIFA representatives joined leading policy makers and youth ambassadors this week to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child protection and safeguarding.

Speaking on a webinar organised by the Parliamentary Assembly for the Council of Europe (PACE), Joyce Cook, FIFA Chief Social Responsibility and Education Officer shared the various steps and ongoing work FIFA is taking to raise awareness and strengthen child protection and safeguarding measures in football through the FIFA Guardians programme. She also highlighted the current #SafeHome campaign that was launched in May.

Speaking during the webinar, Cook said: "The protection and safeguarding of young players in football is a topic that FIFA takes extremely seriously. Since the launch of FIFA Guardians last year, FIFA is continuing to introduce a range of measures to strengthen child safeguarding standards within football, including developing a FIFA Guardians training and education programme and capacity building opportunities for MAs, establishing a dedicated FIFA safeguarding unit and recently launching the #SafeHome campaign to mobilise the power of football to help end domestic violence which effects millions of women and children each year.

"Football provides so many important lessons, outlets and opportunities for young people and it is vital that children can play in a safe and supportive environment, free from harm. The COVID-19 pandemic has raised many questions around safeguarding and the wellbeing of children, especially in the places where they should feel most safe and secure.

"Through the #SafeHome campaign, we hope to use football as a platform to further the discussion and raise awareness around this important topic, as well as giving practical advice and support to those at risk."

During the session, FIFA was also acknowledged by safeguarding and child protection policy experts on the panel for the FIFA Guardians programme and the steps being taken by the organisation to help strengthen child safeguarding standards in football around the world.

The full panel is now available to watch for a limited time on the PACE Facebook page. To watch the full panel, please click HERE.