About MAY25
What is International Missing Children’s Day?
International Missing Children’s Day, observed globally on May 25th each year, is dedicated to drawing attention to the thousands of children who go missing around the world annually. The day aims to highlight the efforts made to find and reunite these children with their families, promote measures to protect children from abduction and exploitation and honor those who have been recovered. It serves as a unified effort to raise awareness, share knowledge, and advocate for the safety and well-being of all children.
The observance of International Missing Children’s Day began in 1983, marking the anniversary of the disappearance of six-year-old Etan Patz, who went missing on his way to school in New York City in 1979. This day was initially recognized in the United States and has since gained international acknowledgment. It symbolizes the global commitment to addressing the issue of missing children and serves as a reminder that the search continues for countless missing children worldwide.