Today all over the world, including Russia, celebrate the Day of the Lost Children. It originated in the United States - exactly 34 years ago a 6-year-old schoolboy disappeared there, whom they could not find. About 800,000 children disappear in America every year - more than anywhere else in the world. And each such case becomes almost a national problem.
It didn’t matter if you were looking for your child at some time or if you never seriously thought that there were someone stolen or escaped children in the world. This video clip for a short time, apparently, changed something in human nature, forcing TV viewers of music channels in Europe, America and Australia to escape from the bustle of the moment.
It was exactly 20 years ago. Music video for a rock ballad. Instead of the usual for the genre a set of sentimental video stamps, like foreign bodies, without preparation, in the forehead - photographs of the missing children and their names. The title of the song Runaway train is "runaway train", but the same word "runaway" means "runaway child".
"Every time this video was broadcast, the faces of missing children were inserted from the country where it was shown. There was nothing like this. People from all over the world were involved in this video and they needed help, feedback," says music video historian Stivet Pitalo.
In Russia, 55 thousand children disappear annually, in Europe - an average of 70 thousand, the record holder is America: 800 thousand children a year. The severity of the problem has forced Americans to be the most inventive to find missing persons 99% of the time.
All information about missing children is collected in the National Center. From here every day the alarm signal sounds. "Amber Alert" is a notification system that instantly connects the public to the search through television and radio, electronic displays on the roads and at airports, via e-mail and smartphones.
The offender, if the kid is abducted, finds himself under the hood of an information onslaught, and, realizing that he is being sought, often leaves the child.
"Our research in the US shows that a child can be killed in the first 2-3 hours after being abducted. That is, we know we must act quickly before he becomes a victim. Time is our enemy," says the executive director of the National Search Center of the lost children Robert Lowery.
The main principle is not to give up and not stop searching. The center's database has not yet closed a case for a girl who disappeared in 1938. Today she would have turned 93. For such long cases, a unique laboratory has been created here, in which children are aged - smiling, but each of them is in trouble.
Through a combination of science and art, photographs are updated every 2 years until the child turns 18. After 18 people do not change much and then the photo is updated every five years. Only hope, according to specialist Joe, returns the impetus to work. For example, he "raised" the girl Jaycee on his monitor for 18 years, after which she was rescued from the captivity of the kidnappers. Joe first met her face to face.
"When she walked in, her mother burst into tears. Jaycee hugged me! You know, it happened only yesterday and I still have to find a way to express emotions - it was something extraordinary," recalls forensic artist Joe Mullens.
Aged photographs of children appear on the streets as they travel on the sides of trucks on the roads. Previously, they could be found on pizza boxes and milk cartons.
It is not known exactly how many children were saved with milk bags. The search method did not seem to be the most efficient. But if this conveyor of hope of hundreds of millions of packages could help bring home at least one child ... Imagine if this one is yours ?!
In the late 1980s, the then authoritative pediatrician Benjamin Spock sounded the alarm: the faces of the disappeared frighten the main consumers of milk - children who have breakfast with moms and dads. And such packages disappeared. But children's portraits on cardboard remained almost the most powerful symbol of this common misfortune for the whole world.
The video clip that was recorded 20 years ago helped find dozens of children in different countries. When 16-year-old Elizabeth recognized herself on TV, her hand mechanically reached for the phone. She, like many escaped teenagers, did not suspect that they had been looking for her for several years. As she grows older, she will tell how, instead of words, she could then make only a sound into the telephone receiver, similar to the roar of ships that still do not see each other in the fog, but signal that they are in this sea.
Most of them are found, but what parents have to go through is hard to even imagine. Not to mention those cases when children are never found.
84 figures were installed in the Muzeon park according to the number of children who disappeared and were never found in Russia last year. And on the facade of the Ostankino tower they show photographs of those they are looking for now. Perhaps someone will recognize one of the guys and be able to help bring him back home.
Tanya herself, it seems, has completely forgotten how a year ago she wandered through the fields and forests until it got completely dark.
"She walked for a long time, she did not sit, she still walked, tried to get home on her own, so she herself is also a hero, well done, a fighting girl," recalls Natalya Malinovskaya, assistant head of the Aleksandrovsky interdistrict investigation department of the Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the Stavropol Territory ...
The whole world was looking for Tanya. The police and volunteers, even divers came, what if the girl fell into the pond? And already late at night the search dogs came out on her trail. Tanya did not even cry, but only kept silent.
“The child was in shock, that is, she didn't even want to talk to me,” says Maria Shakhova, the girl's mother.
Tanya's story with a happy ending. She was found as quickly as possible, in just a few hours. But nine-year-old Kirill was searched for almost two days. He rode his bike to the ice cream shop and disappeared. Meter by meter the search engines combed the forest and finally heard the cherished: "Found, alive!"
The worst thing is for parents. Panic, hands trembling, thoughts are confused. But time is not a friend, but an enemy. You need to call the police and volunteers right away. They are ready night and day to go out in search. Completely strangers seem to say: you are not alone in your trouble.
“Every time it’s scary, every time it’s exciting, every time we try to leave as quickly and quickly as possible. Get a task to start searching for a person and find him alive, ”says Valeria Afonchikova, a volunteer of the Lisa Alert search and rescue team.
Lifestyle, not work. Backpacks and bags are always collected. They have lanterns, compasses, walkie-talkies. They do not receive money and are unlikely to expect gratitude. Daughter and father Afonchikovs from Orel, for example, go out to comb the forests.
And photographer Dmitry Shcheglov from Moscow prints the guidelines at home. He, a veteran of the First Chechen War, has seven children himself. And it would seem that the family budget is already modest. But money for paint is still there.
“I work imperceptibly, I print here. You understand that you are doing something right and that it’s good, ”explains Dmitry Scheglov, a volunteer of the Liza Alert search and rescue squad.
A child can run away from home, or can leave with a stranger, trusting him. For all cases, of course, you will not give advice. But here's what you can do first if the kid is lost in the city.
“Either he has already reached the house, and he needs to open the door, he stands and does not understand, well, where is mom? Either he went to a store where he likes something, they planned to buy it, or vice versa, they don't even plan, but he likes it, he comes and looks. Maybe some kind of slide and so on. Our mother runs through key points while we are going to her, and at the same time she calls the police, ”says Grigory Sergeev, chairman of the Lisa Alert search and rescue team.
According to statistics, 98% of lost children are found. But those who have gone missing are unhealing wounds, silent shadows. In their memory, the volunteers of the "Lisa Alert" detachment ignite the rays of hope. The hope that the missing children will someday find their way home.
It is customary to celebrate this holiday on May 25. The disappearance of a child, regardless of age and social status, is considered an emergency. For every parent, this fact is the most terrible. The event was established with the aim of attracting the attention of a large number of people to this problem and to the safety of minors, their protection from abductions, difficult life situations and illegal exploitation.
history of the holiday
Children disappear for various reasons: runaway from home, family conflicts, misunderstanding or aggressive actions on the part of household members, embezzlement for ransom, sale to organs, sexual exploitation. Often, parents are to blame for what is happening, they were inattentive, unfair, negligent towards children.
The history of the holiday originates from the United States of America. Its symbol is blue forget-me-not. On May 25, 1979, a 6-year-old kid disappeared on his way home. Evian Pates (that was the name of the boy) was searched for by neighbors, parents, police and simply not indifferent people. The event became resonant. But the efforts of the seekers ended in failure.
Just 4 years later, Ronald Reagan (then US President) formally established May 25 as the national date for Missing Children Day. Thus, it was decided to draw the attention of those around, successful and future parents to such problems. In 1984, a special center appeared, whose activities were aimed at finding missing children and helping exploited minors.
Later, the initiative was supported by several European countries. In 1997, an international organization was formed to search for missing children. In 2010, she proposed introducing a date in the calendar to coincide with the tragic events. After all, a missing child is a huge disaster for loving dad and mom.
On May 25, Russians will celebrate the Day of Search of Missing Children for the fourth time, which has been celebrated in Europe and the United States for 30 years. For 30 years, every May 25, information stands with the symbol of the Day of the Lost Children - the image of a blue forget-me-not appear in large shopping centers in American and European cities. Parents are given brochures, children are told how to behave with strangers, themed programs are broadcast on radio and television. There is a hotline in 16 European countries where parents, relatives and eyewitnesses can contact.
The purpose of the events of the International Day of Missing Children is to draw public attention to the problem of protecting children from abductions, difficult life situations and illegal exploitation.
On this day, at 22:00, candles are lit in all windows to illuminate the Way for all the lost and not yet found kids. The symbol of the Day is forget-me-not - a flower of hope. A symbol that we will all always remember those children who could not return home.
According to an already established tradition, a blue ribbon is tied on this day, brochures are distributed, informational reminders about how a child should behave with strangers and what to do if he gets lost on the street.
On May 25, everyone will be able to say together with the volunteers: “I care” and draw the attention of their fellow countrymen to the problem of missing children. Going on this day on business, it will be enough to tie a blue ribbon on your clothes or car - in the color of forget-me-not. And in the evening, candles will be lit on the windows in dozens of houses - a wave of lights will sweep from Kamchatka to Kaliningrad, symbolically illuminating the way home for all the children who have not yet been found.
The teams of the Search for Missing Children association are preparing various events - exhibitions, concerts, children's drawing contests, flash mobs. We are waiting for everyone who is ready to help with the organization or just come.
The list of participating cities will be updated: http://vk.com/25may_blog
In Moscow May 24 (Sunday) in the "Fili Culture and Leisure Park" there will be a charity concert "Forget Me Not" dedicated to the International Day of the Missing Children.
The concert will be attended by Russian pop stars, expected: DJ Groove, Irakli, Yolka, Mitya Fomin, Bi-2 group, Leonid Agutin, Bianca, Banderos, Burito, Batishta, Dominik Joker, Sergey Zhukov (Hands Up group), Timur Rodriguez, Denis Klyaver, Nike Borzov, Sergey Galanin, Nikita, Gosha Kutsenko, Charlie Armstrong, Dima Bilan and other performers. Also, in the first part of the concert, children's and novice musical groups will participate.
In addition to the concert, various performances for children and safety lectures for parents and young people will take place at numerous venues in the park. Free family and child psychologists and social educators will work.
The event will be held with the participation of employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (for minors, the Criminal Investigation Department) of Moscow and the Russian Federation, employees of the Main Investigation Department of the TFR, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the Central Federal District, the human rights movement "Resistance", the Russian Union of Rescuers, the Search and Rescue Organization "Polar Star" , Federation of modern sword fighting of Russia and other specialized organizations.
Interactive sites will start working at 10:00 and will continue to work until 18:00. The concert with the stars will take place from 14:00 to 17:30.
https://vk.com/poiskdetei_ru
2015 International Day of Missing Children in St. Petersburg will be celebrated for the third time.
Organizers of events and promotions timed to May 25:
PI "Center for the Development of Social Programs" Help for Children "and SPb RPO" Peter-Poisk "
On this day, we urge everyone:
1. Tie a blue ribbon - the international symbol of the day of the missing children.
2. Take part in the flash mob "Light the way home": in the evening, light a candle on the window.
3. A number of events and actions are planned in St. Petersburg and the region
http://vk.com/25maya_spb
Stock in Gatchina will be held for the first time. And for this we need people who empathize with the missing children and their parents. Anyone can become a participant of the action, without age restrictions.
The action will take place at the intersection of Krasnaya and Sobornaya streets, starting at 16:00
http://vk.com/club90664543
On May 25, on the International Day of Missing Children, we, the volunteers of the Novgorod group of the community of volunteers "Search for Missing Children", celebrate for the first time in Veliky Novgorod this memorable date. We hope that many wonderful people will join us who will want to participate in this event with us. We will definitely thank you all.
Together with libraries, schools, children's entertainment centers and cafes, we are going to arrange game lectures and master classes, exhibitions of drawings, literary readings, distribution of booklets, ribbons and balloons.
And at 10 pm on May 25, we will light a candle in the windows of our houses as part of the "Light the Way Home" campaign - let this light remind all of us that every missing child must be found.
http://vk.com/event90322515
May 25 is international day of missing children. PSO "Volunteer-Angarsk" is preparing for this event in Angarsk... For organization and participation in the event, please contact: 8 (З955) 645-1З1, [email protected]
http://vk.com/volonter_angarsk
Dear residents Belgorod and members of the missing children search group! On May 25, our Community is holding an action dedicated to the International Day of Remembrance of the Missing Children! On this day, we will be distributing blue ribbons and brochures around the city about how to protect ourselves and our children from such a misfortune! And we also ask everyone to take part in the flash mob "Light the way home": at 10 pm local time, we light candles to light the way home for all those who are lost and who are looking for. Our group Vkontakte http://vk.com/club35140023 ... Join those who are not indifferent. Phone for those who want to take part in the action or make their suggestions 8-951-1З4-57-27 Elena.
In 2015 Ryazan FOR THE FIRST TIME to join International Missing Children Day. On the eve of this day and on this day, several events and promotions will be held
We invite everyone to become participants in the upcoming campaigns, we need volunteer support.
For partnership, participation in events, organizational issues, please contact:
Tel. 8-95З-747-95-27 and in the corresponding topic: http://vk.com/topic-92806811_31760142
http://vk.com/event92806811
Soon May 25 ... Many people still do not know and have not heard about this International Action, conducted by volunteer search engines ...
The symbols of this day were blue ribbons and forget-me-nots, candles on the window as a symbol of the illuminated road home, blue and white balloons launched into the sky ...
May 25. International Day of the Missing Children.
This is the day of our memory of those who were found lost, and the day of our hope that those who are not found will return home safe and sound.
On this day, everyone who is not indifferent to someone else's misfortune, who is able to help change the tragic statistics on missing children, will join the volunteer movement.
After all, the problem of missing children is as relevant in Russia as it is in other countries. There are 55 thousand children on the wanted list across the country, 15 thousand disappear every year - and one and a half thousand cases turn into "hang-ups" every year. And at the same time, the search for missing children remains the business of the police and the family: most often only relatives, friends, and investigators who are loaded above their heads know about the child's misfortune and parental grief.
May 24 (Sunday) at 12-00 on the island. Tatyshev will host an action "May 25 - International Day of Remembrance for Missing Children" conducted by the volunteer organization "Search for Missing Children - Krasnoyarsk"
We invite everyone to support our action!
Tel. coordinator 8-95O-9966-O66
http://vk.com/wall-28604754_17340
http://vk.com/wall-28604754_17432
# Murmansk! Join the action # 25 in your hometown! #MurmanSpas proposes to conduct a flash mob together! https://vk.com/topic-76622510_31637253 #Do not forget me
Phone for those who want to take part in the action or make their own suggestions + 7-95З-750-90-З0 Olga, + 7-911-ЗЗ9-89-41 Irina
The action for the Day of the Lost Children will take place in Zapolyarny on the central square on May 24 at 16.00.
Summary of the action:
1. A story about the squad, associations, statistics.
2. Performance by children's groups.
3. Awarding of the winners of the drawing contest "The Way Home".
4. Launching balls.
5. Lighting candles "Light the way home".
Also, volunteers will be enrolled in the squadron, children's passports, brochures and the symbol of the "Forget-me-not" action will be distributed.
For all questions, contact the squad coordinator + 7911ZZ98941 Irina
The idea to devote a special day to the problem of missing children appeared in the USA. On this day, May 25, 1979, a six-year-old American boy, Evian Pates, disappeared on his way from school, who was never found. In 1983, four years after a child went missing, US President Ronald Reagan declared May 25 National Missing Children Day.
In Russia, in order to help unite the efforts of state authorities, public organizations and citizens in the search for missing children, as well as to prevent the disappearance and unauthorized departure of minors in December 2014, the National Center for Assistance to Missing and Affected Children was established.
According to the center, about 120 thousand people disappear in Russia every year, including 45 thousand minors.
In a deserted area, about 20 thousand people disappear annually, of which about 500 are children (data from the Ministry of Emergencies). Of these, 98% either find or return home. But up to 1000 people die annually in a forest or other unpopulated territory, without finding help. Of these (data from the National Center for Assistance to Missing and Injured Children).
In most cases, a person can be found within three days after his disappearance. If during this time it is not possible to establish his whereabouts, he is put on the wanted list.
A detailed description of the child's clothing, footwear and personal belongings at the time of the disappearance must be compiled. Include special signs and characteristic manners in the description.
Find the latest photo and immediately apply to the nearest police station. The application must be accepted immediately. Otherwise, it is against the law. Registration of the application must be required.
If the child has a mobile phone, the number of which is registered for one of the parents, it is necessary to request a printout of the last calls from the cellular operator.
We need to call the volunteers. Attract as many people as possible to the search - relatives, friends and acquaintances.
If the child is missing:
- in a forested area: do not hesitate, immediately contact the police and the local department of the Ministry of Emergencies. Before the arrival of the rescuers, conduct an initial inspection of the clearings and linear landmarks (river, fence, power lines) in the area of \u200b\u200bthe loss.
- by transport (did not go out with you at the desired stop or you missed each other): inform the person on duty at the station, metro station, bus station or the employee of the linear ATC on transport about the child. Go to the next stop, maybe he got off there. If the child is not there, call the police.
- in public places (train stations, stadiums, shopping centers): immediately contact the managers, information service or security and call the police. Ask to announce the incident over the speakerphone. Require all children of suitable age to be checked on exits. Stay put, wait for the police.
