CAMPAIGNS

Brussels, 26 May 2025 – Every year, on the 25th of May, Missing Children Europe comes together for International Missing Children’s Day to honour the memory of missing children. This year was no exception, as we carried out a powerful action in front of the European Parliament for the nearly 250,000 children who go missing every year in Europe. 

On Thursday, May 22nd, we joined MEPs, EU Commission officials, police, and civil society organisations to lay out hundreds of children’s shoes in front of the European Parliament, spelled out to form “116 000” – the EU-wide hotline for Missing Children. 

Rows of children’s shoes were carefully laid out, forming a visual tribute to the lives interrupted and families left waiting for their child’s return – a symbol of both remembrance and hope. 

The action centred around the powerful reflections of several key figures in child rights advocacy and policy. MEP Evin Incir, Co-Chair of the Intergroup on Children’s Rights, and MEP Saskia Bricmont, a member of the same Intergroup, spoke about the importance of keeping missing children on the EU’s political agenda.  

Marie-Cécile Rouillon, European Commission Coordinator for the Rights of the Child, underlined the EU’s commitment to protecting its youngest citizens. We also heard moving words from Lisa Marie Schaumburg, a Youth Board Member at Missing Children Europe, and Aagje Ieven, the organisation’s Secretary General. 

Ms. Ieven emphasised the human reality behind this crisis: “Each year, 250,000* children are reported missing in Europe. These are not merely statistics, they represent individual stories. Children escaping abuse or conflict, caught in the middle of parental disputes, or exploited by criminal networks. Behind every number is a child at risk, and a family in crisis”. Taking into account their families and the communities they belong to, over 1.5 million people in the EU are directly impacted by the disappearance of a child. 

One of the most vital support systems in place is the 116 000 hotline, available in 32 European countries. This free and confidential helpline offers psychological, legal, and practical assistance to children and families. The hotline is designed to be accessible 24/7, but unfortunately, that is not the case everywhere. 

As Lisa Marie Schaumburg passionately pointed out: “What if I told you that after working hours, you couldn’t call the police anymore? You can’t call the firefighters. It doesn’t matter if your house is burning down. I can’t imagine that anybody could actually imagine that being a reality, but for missing children, that reality does exist in many countries.” 

We are profoundly grateful to everyone who contributed to making this action possible, especially our friends at Les Petits Riens, whose support was essential in bringing this powerful memorial to life. And we hope that this action will be remembered, so we can continue bringing our agenda to the EU, to prevent these disappearances, ensure futures filled with hope, and honour and remember all those who can no longer be with us. 

* Missing Children in the European Union, EU Parliament Report, 2013