The first national campaign on the European number for missing children in Serbia
Under the slogan "So that we are all accounted for", the first national campaign to raise awareness of the European number for missing children, 116000, was presented today at the European House in Belgrade. This telephone line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to the citizens of Serbia as would report missing children or get support.
The campaign is implemented by the non-governmental organization "Astra", in cooperation with the competent ministries, and with the support of the Delegation of the European Union in Serbia.
Marija Anđelković, the executive director of "Astra", explained that this service is available to families while the search for the child continues, as well as that it provides support to the children even after they are found. He reminds that the number was introduced in 2012, and that a memorandum on cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs was signed in 2014.
"The number 116000 works in 32 European countries, according to the same principles. For example, if a child gets lost in Greece or Belgium, by calling this number, our colleagues from those countries will be contacted," Anđelković pointed out.
According to the executive director of the organization, "Astra" annually receives between 450 and 500 calls, of which about 50 percent of cases are children who have run away from home, while 17 percent are parental abductions. In addition, 17 percent of calls refer to the separation of families in migrant situations, while three percent are reports of criminal kidnappings.
"In more than 98 percent of cases of reported children, they are found," she added.
Speaking from a parent's point of view, psychologist and journalist Miša Stojiljković referred to the irrational fear of missing a child.
"It is important to remind parents that only two percent of missing children are not found. Repeating that information can help overcome fear," said Stojiljković, but he added that tragic cases like Tijana Jurić and Danka Ilić come back to everyone's mind.
He emphasized the importance of building trust with children from an early age and open communication without judgment.
Psychologist Branka Radović warned that running away from home is often a mechanism used by children who have been abused, especially during adolescence. "We must recognize early signs and educate parents to recognize problems before alienation occurs," Radović pointed out.
The campaign "So that we are all accounted for" includes the broadcasting of spots on national television and radio stations, with the aim of informing and raising awareness about the importance of the European number 116000.
From the introduction of the European number for missing children in 2012 until September 2024, 5,394 calls were made. Calls are free and available from all mobile and fixed networks in Serbia.