Calls for European Missing Child Alert System
June 2, 2008 12:00 AM
Amidst the recent confusion following the Irish Referendum, it should not be lost that within the Lisbon Treaty there is an important victory for all children, which, whatever our views on Europe, most of us would not wish to be abandoned.
For the first time in the history of the EU, a Treaty provides for the protection of children's rights to be legally recognised. This is a real opportunity to enshrine the fundamental right to protect children from abduction.
Like little Madeleine McCann, every year around 130,000 children across Europe go missing. Thank God most of them are found and returned safely to their families. Devastatingly, some are not. The worry and heartbreak is unimaginable. As the long school holidays loom before us, whether away on holiday or at home we hope our children will be safe.
This is one of the practical areas where Europe can deliver action and get results. Our local Lib Dem MEP, Chris Davies, is supporting a call to the European Parliament to urge a EU wide alert system for missing children. In a world of ever-increasing cross-border movement we need common policies, clear systems and an established electronic infrastructure to ensure a rapid response to reports of missing children. The UK operates its own system, Belgium another, but only France has a comprehensive national child-alert system. Some EU countries keep national data on missing children. Others do not. The approach is disjointed and not helpful.
One of the crucial actions in finding a missing child is informing the public, and that is why I too am supporting demands for an EU wide 'missing child alert' system, similar to the USA's 'AMBER Alert' system.
Under the US system, when a child goes missing, alerts are distributed through radio and television, interrupting scheduled broadcasting, and via e-mail, text messages and even motorway traffic signs. Since 2003, nearly 400 children have been recovered through the AMBER alert system, with 80% in the crucial first 72 hours.
The EU can really make a difference in protecting and safeguarding our children. This is just one small example. It could really make a difference one day to one of us. As an ordinary mum of 3 young children, I hope that you and I will never face the pain and fear of loss or separation from our children. The European Parliament can make a difference. The Liberal Democrats in the north west are committed to making Europe work for all our citizens, and to ensure the best interests of children are at its core.
Europe should stand up for children. Children are our future.
Cllr Helen Foster-Grime
Lib Dem European Parliamentary Candidate for North West England
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