Dufry and Street Child United are delighted to announce that Dufry Group is a sponsor of the next Street Child World Cup (SCWC), which will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in March 2014.

The Street Child World Cup acts as a catalyst so that individuals, companies and Governments around the world do more to safeguard the rights of millions of children who live and work on the streets. In addition to the football tournament, SCWC hosts an international conference and arts programme to give children a platform to talk about the issues they face.

Dufry’s CEO, Julian Diaz, said: “Dufry is proud to help those most in need – disadvantaged children. The Street Child World Cup uses the power of football to give street children the support and protection that all children are entitled to. No child should have to live on the streets.”

Adrian Reith, SCWC Chairman, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dufry to the Street Child World Cup family. Dufry is committed to supporting our campaign for street children’s rights to be recognised and upheld across the world.”

Although the Street Child World Cup tournament kicks off in March 2014, the Road to Rio has already begun for the street child organisations taking part. In the run-up to Brazil, a number of international events will raise awareness of street children and campaign for change.

After its inaugural tournament in Durban, South Africa, in 2010, SCWC received support from high-profile figures including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Sir Alex Ferguson and David Beckham.

David Beckham said: “I look forward to Brazil in 2014 when street children from around the world will play football and represent the millions of children who still live or work on our streets.”