Skopje, 20 November 2025 (MIA) - "One Team for Every Child - Zero Discrimination" is the title of the campaign for inclusion and prevention of discrimination in football, promoted on World Children's Day-November 20.

The campaign, implemented by the UNICEF Office in Skopje, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Sport, Commission for Prevention and Protection against Discrimination and the Football Federation of Macedonia, aims to raise the awareness over discrimination, bias and stereotypes in football, with a focus on girls, Roma children and children with disability, as well as strengthen the response and reporting through the Commission's official mechanisms.

Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska said each campaign participant will convey the message that there is a place for everyone on the team, noting that children deserve a discrimination-free sport. The Ministry will use this campaign to promote fair play and build a culture of inclusion.

"We are all committed to ensure the right of every child to learn, play and be accepted. We are implementing thorough reforms in education because it needs to have quality, be inclusive and accessible for every child, thus ensuring a better future for all," said Janevska.

UNICEF Representative Lesley Miller voiced satisfaction from the fact that the organization is a partner in the important campaign aimed at protecting children from discrimination.

"Today is an important day marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which fundamental principle is non-discrimination. We are here to listen to the children's voice, their ideas and solutions. There are many young people today - boys and girls, children with disabilities, children from different communities - who will design the campaign together and address their peers. This is one way to put an end to discrimination, not only in football but in life as well," said Miller.

Commission for Prevention and Protection against Discrimination President, Dushan Tomshikj, expects the campaign to raise the awareness in society over equality and non-discrimination through sport.

"Adults should create a society that provides equal opportunities to all. I believe football and sport is the right place to build these values among young football players," said Tomshikj.

Football Federation of Macedonia Secretary-General Leonid Jandreoski said football is a place where everyone is equal.

"Football is a space where discrimination can be defeated. FFM welcomes this initiative and we will do our best to make sure this campaign reaches every school, every football club and every child," said Jandreoski.

Photo: MIA