On the occasion of World Children’s Day, 'Hope For Children' CRC Policy Center (HFC) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of every child.
"This day serves as a reminder of the global responsibility to uphold the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and to intensify efforts to protect children from violence, exploitation, neglect, and discrimination," a relevant announcement notes.
"Amid continuing social and economic pressures, child protection needs in Cyprus and across Europe remain urgent. Children continue to face multiple forms of harm, including sexual abuse and exploitation, both online and offline, child trafficking, domestic violence, harmful digital content, and psychological distress," it continues.
In recent years, HFC has observed a growing demand for mental health services, legal support, and child-friendly investigative procedures, reinforcing the need for a holistic and coordinated response across institutions, the organisation says in its announcement.
According to the announcement, in response to these challenges, HFC continues to strengthen and diversify its services:
- Operates the Children’s House, based on the Barnahus model, offering multidisciplinary support to child victims of sexual abuse and their families.
- Provides comprehensive psychological and psychosocial services, including trauma-informed therapy for vulnerable children and families.
- Manages specialised shelters and safe spaces for unaccompanied children, delivering individualised care, educational support, and integration pathways.
- Delivers training and capacity-building to teachers, social workers, police officers, and frontline professionals, prosecutors to reinforce child protection practices.
- Implements educational programs at schools on children’s rights for the prevention of bullying, discriminations and abuse
- Operates the National Helpline 1466 on 24/7 basis providing psychosocial support to children and families
- Supports all foster families in Cyprus through specialised evaluation and support services
- Actively contributes to national and EU-level policy development, advocating for robust legal and institutional safeguards.
New Initiatives and Collaborative Efforts
HFC is currently engaged in several EU-funded and international projects focused on strengthening protection frameworks, improving investigative procedures, and enhancing digital safety for children.
The announcement notes, "True to its mission, HFC continues to promote meaningful child participation in shaping policies and programs that affect their lives. Recent consultations with the organisations child ambassadors have highlighted growing concerns about online risks, bullying, and mental health, issues the organisation is committed to addressing through evidence-based interventions."
“We call on policymakers, institutions, and communities to invest in stronger and more coherent child protection systems, prioritise prevention, and ensure that children’s voices are heard and acted upon,” said Andria Neocleous, Executive Director on behalf of Hope For Children. “We urge all stakeholders, governments, civil society, educators, and the private sector, to work together toward systems that are child-centered, adequately resourced, and responsive to emerging threats, including those in the digital world.”
"On this World Children’s Day, HFC reaffirms its belief that when children are protected, supported, and empowered, they can reach their full potential. The organisation remains dedicated to building a society where every child is safe, heard, and given the opportunity to flourish," the announceemnt concludes.
