Decreased number of missing children in Portugal in 2021
The Judiciary Police (PJ) received participation from more than 1,100 minors in Portugal, in 2021, found Renaissance, on the eve of the International Missing Children’s Day. The number represents a decrease compared to the previous year.
Of these missing minors, 129 were under 14 years of age and 976 were under 18 years of age.
In statements to RenaissancePatrícia Cipriano, president of the Portuguese Association of Missing Children (APCD), that the numbers – which are lower than those of 2020 – coincided with the impact of the pandemic.
“Fortunately, there was a decrease in the number of cases of missing children in Portugal. In the course of the last few years of the pandemic, the numbers are very likely because people should, if they determine two years after the pandemic, the numbers are very likely because people must, if they determine, two years of investigation of occurrence, specifically institutional.”
To face the dilemma of missing children, Patrícia Cipriano defends the need for greater collaboration between the State and civil society organizations.
“There must also be coordination with civil society organizations to speed up the location of children. There should be no shame in collaboration between State – civil society organizations, and even between civil societies. It is essential that there is coordination and an exchange of information without any type of protection”, defends the president of the Portuguese Children’s Association.