NSPCC reactive statement for European-wide sex offenders' register

The NSPCC is urging MEPs to support moves to introduce a European-wide sex offenders’ register and an instant alert system which could help in cases of child abduction.

The alert system would use the media to publicise details of a child who is feared to have been illegally snatched. An offenders’ register should enable law enforcement officers and potential employers easy access to information about adults across the EU who may pose a danger to children.

Both ideas are being submitted to the European Parliament on Thursday as part of a written declaration. If it receives the support of more than half the 785 MEPs it will be adopted but is not binding on member states.

Latest figures available for England and Wales show 68 children were abducted by strangers in 2002/03 but with many being recovered within 24 hours. In all 377 children were involved in attempted kidnaps by people unknown to them.

NSPCC head of policy and public affairs, Diana Sutton, said: “It’s rare for a British child to be abducted while abroad but when it does happen it can have devastating consequences. An EU-wide early alert system, brought into play after considered decisions have been taken, could have an important role in bringing such a traumatic event to a swift close resulting in the child being returned safely.

“An EU sex offenders’ register would also help law enforcement officers and potential employers gain access to relevant information quickly. The current system where countries keep different types of information on offenders is confusing and difficult to access.

“The crucial intelligence is there but we should not have to negotiate a tortuous maze to find it. We live in a high-tech world where details such as criminal records must be easily available to ensure children are not put at risk.”

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About the NSPCC
The NSPCC is the UK’s leading children charity specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children. The NSPCC’s purpose is to end cruelty to children FULL STOP. Its vision is of a society where all children are loved, valued and able to fulfil their potential. The NSPCC runs 180 projects and services across the United Kingdom and Channel Islands, including ChildLine, the UK’s free, confidential 24-hour helpline for children and young people. The NSPCC helps over 10,000 children and their families every year.