PROCUREMENT
PREVENTING TRAFFICKING AHEAD OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP & 2028 OLYMPIC GAMES
As Los Angeles prepares to host major global events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, the Sunita Jain Anti Trafficking Initiative is working to address the increased risk of labor trafficking and worker exploitation. Large events often require fast construction, many layers of subcontractors, and workers who are temporary or migrants. These conditions can make it easier for exploitation to happen if there are not strong protections in place.
Through our policy and advocacy work, we have documented these risks and developed a set of recommendations for the City and County to prevent trafficking and protect workers. Our report outlines practical steps to strengthen oversight, improve coordination, and ensure that systems are in place to address risks before harm occurs. In addition, we have been advocating for the City and County to make the human rights reports related to LA28 and FIFA public. Transparency is important to ensure accountability and to help prevent harm before it happens.
Our goal is to make sure that planning for these events includes clear protections for workers and that systems are in place to prevent exploitation from the start.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
Our report, Preventing and Addressing Human Trafficking Related to Major Sporting Events, outlines practical steps the City and County can take to prevent labor trafficking and protect workers before, during, and after the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games. It focuses on prevention, accountability, and ensuring that existing protections are fully enforced.
Key recommendations include:
- Strengthen awareness and training by enforcing existing posting and training requirements and expanding public education efforts
- Improve oversight of contracts and vendors by enforcing procurement rules and ensuring companies follow labor and human rights standards
- Increase coordination across agencies and service providers to improve access to services and respond effectively to risks
- Protect immigrant and vulnerable workers by ensuring safeguards are in place and separating worker protections from immigration enforcement
- Expand support for survivors through increased funding for hotlines, services, and a dedicated victim fund
- Invest in long term prevention efforts by supporting innovative, community-based strategies
- Ensure accountability through evaluation by funding independent reviews of human rights and anti-trafficking efforts
FOLLOW US
Stay connected by following us on social media, where we share updates on our advocacy, highlight survivor-centered initiatives, and post opportunities to get involved.