FC Barcelona foundation and UNHCR unite for the rights of refugee children worldwide
Barça and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), announced in March 2022 the alliance that will unite them in defending the rights of refugee children and young people, which will be reflected on the jerseys of the men’s and women’s football teams. For the first time in history, the UN Agency logo will appear beneath the number on the back of the blaugrana jerseys for the 2022/23 season, which were presented recently, in a gesture that will send a message of solidarity to the world in favour of the more than 100 million people who have been forced to flee their countries. The partnership will last four seasons and is a collaboration between FC Barcelona and its Foundation, the UNHCR humanitarian agency and the UNHCR Spanish Committee.
Raising awareness of the cause of refugees amongst football
The aim of the initiative is to raise awareness of the cause of refugees amongst football fans around the world, while the projects to be supported by the FC Barcelona Foundation are aimed at improving the lives of refugee children and young people. These projects will focus on education, health and equal opportunities, with a special focus on gender equality and diversity. In order to achieve some of the most relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sports will be used as a tool to facilitate the social integration of refugee and displaced children with their host populations. UNCHR-UNHCR and the FC Barcelona Foundation collaborate on projects in Uganda, Colombia, Turkey and Malaysia.
”Football brings joy to millions of football fans around the world. It also provides a transformative way out for millions of refugee children.”
Filippo Grandi – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
”The agreement forms part of the priorities defined by FC Barcelona and its Foundation: to focus on refugees around the world.”
Joan Laporta – President of FC Barcelona and the FC Barcelona Foundation
