Concern and fear are growing within communities in the face of cases involving missing persons, missing children, kidnappings, rape and violence. Children are not the only ones affected; many adults have also suddenly disappeared, leaving families in anxiety, fear and unanswered questions.

One of the most worrying issues is the disappearance of young children, particularly girls, who are sometimes found to have been subjected to rape and horrific violence. Because of their vulnerability, children require special protection. However, adults who go missing, are kidnapped or suffer violence must not be forgotten either. The situation is made even more alarming by the fact that, in some cases, when people or children who have been missing for a long time are finally found, they are found dead. This further increases the pain of families and the fear among the population, while raising serious questions about public safety, the effectiveness of searches and the investigations carried out into these cases.

Behind each of these cases is a human life, a family, parents, children, spouses or relatives living in grief, anxiety and uncertainty. The disappearance of people must not become normal. Leaving one’s home must not become a daily source of fear. And people should not have to live in constant anxiety. More and more people are afraid to leave their homes, go to work, go to school or allow their children to move around freely. When people can no longer feel safe in their own lives and in the lives of their families, everyday life and individual freedom are severely affected. The State has a major and non-negotiable responsibility to protect the population. Children need special protection because of their vulnerability, but adults also have the right to live peacefully and safely. The State already carries out responsibilities through its existing institutions, such as strengthening public security, receiving complaints and reports of missing persons, searching for victims, investigating cases and prosecuting perpetrators.

However, in the face of growing concern and fear among the population, these measures must be strengthened and improved. It is not enough to act only after a tragedy has occurred. Prevention, rapid response and effective systems to protect people are essential.

THEREFORE, WE DEMAND:

– Rapid and effective searches whenever a child or adult goes missing. Authorities should not wait several days before genuinely beginning the search;

– A rapid alert and public information system whenever a person goes missing, so that everyone can contribute to the search and rescue efforts;

– Thorough, transparent and effective investigations into cases of disappearance, kidnapping, rape and violence;

– Firm action against perpetrators and the effective enforcement of the law, so that impunity does not prevail;

– Strengthened protection for children, particularly girls, in potentially dangerous places, on roads, at schools and in crowded areas;

– Strengthened protection for adults and the entire population, because every citizen has the right to live peacefully and without fear;

– Psychological, medical and social support for victims and their families;

– Stronger cooperation between the State, law enforcement authorities, the justice system, child protection services, civil society and the public;

– Long-term measures to prevent such cases, rather than temporary action only after a tragedy has occurred;

– Clear and transparent communication with families regarding the progress of searches and investigations when a person goes missing.

We must not wait for another case to occur before taking action. We must not wait for another child to go missing or be raped before taking action. We must not wait for another adult to disappear or be found dead before seeking solutions.

No one should have to die before being found.

No one should have to go missing before being searched for.

No one should have to be raped before receiving real protection.

Every case represents a human life. And every human life should be valued and protected.

#ProtectOurChildren #ProtectOurPeople #StopViolence #SafetyForAll #DemandJustice