Over 47,500 missing children cases have been addressed through the 27-year collaboration between Child Focus and the Missing Persons Unit of the federal police, the partners announced on Sunday at the side of the 20km of Brussels event.
In recognition of the International Missing Children’s Day, a joint stand was set up at Autoworld in Cinquantenaire Park to highlight this longstanding partnership.
In 2024 alone, 2,478 new cases have been opened, marking a 22% increase compared to 2023. Of these cases, 95% were swiftly resolved, with the children found safe and sound.
“However, there are also many disappearances that remain unexplained, or even inexplicable. Some might have tragically passed away,” said Alain Remue, head of the Missing Persons Unit, this morning. “This creates a lot of distress for families. With Child Focus, we are here to provide them with answers. Even if it’s delivering bad news, it is better than silence.”
The Minister of the Interior, Bernard Quintin (MR), also acknowledged the significance of this joint effort.
Child Focus used the event to launch ‘Miles for the Missing,’ a new alert channel through the popular running app Strava. “Members of this club will receive notifications when a child goes missing and are encouraged to remain vigilant,” explained Nel Broothaerts, Managing Director of Child Focus. “They can share any useful information via the free number 116 000.”
This initiative is part of the 20km of Brussels event, which on this Sunday gathers over 45,000 runners, walkers, and para-athletes.
