Petřín Observation Tower in Prague Illuminated Blue for International Missing Children’s Day
The capital is joining the European “BlueForHope” campaign, sending a visible message of hope and solidarity
Foto: Portál hlavního města Prahy
Prague is marking International Missing Children’s Day with a visible gesture of solidarity: the Petřín Observation Tower will be illuminated in blue on Monday evening. The initiative forms part of the Europe-wide “BlueForHope” campaign.
The Czech capital will take part in International Missing Children’s Day on Monday, 25 May, with a special initiative: the Petřín Observation Tower (Petřínská rozhledna) will be symbolically illuminated in blue during the evening. Prague is thereby joining a Europe-wide initiative involving several major cities aimed at drawing attention to the fate of missing children.
The well-known Prague landmark is set to shine in blue light from 9.15 p.m. and remain illuminated throughout the night. Through the initiative, the city is supporting the international “BlueForHope” campaign organised by Missing Children Europe and the European network of 116 000 crisis hotlines.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of violence against children and strengthen public awareness of missing and sexually abused children. According to the organisers, the background includes cases of sexual violence, abuse, domestic violence, or long-term family conflicts that can place children and young people in severe crisis situations. These may include running away from home or engaging in self-destructive behaviour.
“Any violence against children is unacceptable. Our most important task is to strengthen prevention and ensure that the public, as well as people in crisis situations, are aware of the existing support services,” said Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda. By supporting the campaign, Prague aims to “send a clear signal of hope” while also drawing attention to the free 116 000 crisis hotline.
In the Czech Republic, the Europe-wide 116 000 hotline is operated by the organisation Cesta z krize. Under the name “Linka pro rodinu a školu”, it provides free telephone crisis support around the clock.
According to the organisation, the service is aimed not only at affected children and young people, but also at parents, relatives, teachers, and the wider public. “We can guide people through crisis situations and increase the chances that this child’s story will also have a good ending,” added organisation director Jarmila Kubáňková.
