International Missing Children's Day 2010

Today nine countries from across four continents are joining to raise awareness of missing children and strengthen global efforts to find them.

International Missing Children’s Day, 25 May, is a day to commemorate missing children who have been found, remember those who have been victims of crime and continue efforts to find those who are still missing.

This year the focus is on parental / family abduction which is a complex issue, especially when children are taken across international borders.

Australia, Canada, Brazil, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Romania, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom are part of the Global Missing Children’s Network (GMCN), an ICMEC program that recognizes the need to collaborate on this complex issue on a global level. Activities are being organized around the world to commemorate the day.

Balloons can also be released virtually on Facebook , an interactive portal developed by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for the campaign. The AFP also created a powerful 30 second public service announcement, which has been distributed throughout participating countries to drive people to the website for further information.

The NPIA also launch the new nationally co-ordinated Child Rescue Alert today, find out more here.