The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has dedicated a tree in the National Arboretum in Canberra to honour International Missing Children’s Day (IMCD) which is commemorated every year on 25 May.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said IMCD was a date when people around the world celebrated the missing children who had found their way home; remembered those who had been victims of crime; and upheld the continued efforts to find those still missing.
“The tree dedication offers a permanent fixture for reflection and remembrance of all missing children and their families,” Commissioner Kershaw said.
“This tree is a symbol of hope and strength for the families, friends, community and the police officers who investigate the cases.”
He said it was a permanent fixture of commemoration and a place for loved ones to come, reflect and be reminded that the AFP remained committed to bringing their children home.
In Australia, approximately 25,000 young people are reported missing to police each year. This makes up almost two thirds of all missing persons reports.
Commissioner Kershaw said most young people were located safe and well, but unfortunately some remained missing after days, months and years.
“The impact on families and friends when a loved one goes missing is devastating. When that loved one is a child, it becomes almost unbearable,” he said.
Bruce and Denise Morcombe, whose 13-year-old son, Daniel went missing in 2003, said the commemorative tree was significant for police, family and friends.
“It’s a dedicated place to symbolically resolve to continue the search to find missing children,” Denise Morcombe said.
