The National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) remains steadfast in its commitment to child protection and welfare, ensuring round-the-clock responsiveness through its dedicated hotline service.
While overseeing the uninterrupted operation of the 16000 Child Rescue Hotline during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, Dr Sahar al-Sonbaty, Chairperson of the NCCM, reaffirmed the council’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding children’s rights.
A performance report for March revealed that the 16000 hotline received 30,942 calls, averaging 998 calls per day. Of these, 1,557 were direct complaints and requests for assistance, with 89% concerning children at risk and 11% related to psychological or legal counseling.
Al-Sonbaty outlined various cases addressed by the child helpline, including family neglect, psychological and physical abuse, child labour, female genital mutilation (FGM), and underage marriage.
The helpline also provides shelter for abandoned children, assistance with identification documents, and interventions against online threats such as cyberbullying, blackmail, and harassment.
Sonbaty highlighted that the highest number of service requests came from the governorates of Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, Dakahlia, Qalyubia, and Beheira. She reaffirmed the NCCM’s proactive approach, working closely with relevant authorities to mitigate risks and provide essential support to vulnerable children.
She voiced gratitude to all stakeholders supporting child protection efforts, including the Public Prosecution Office’s Child Protection Unit, the Ministry of Social Solidarity’s child protection teams, and various civil society organisations dedicated to rapid intervention and case management.
