United Nation's agency, the Intenational Telecommunication Union (ITU), has called on all countries to implement the number 116 111 for children's helplines around the world.
The number is already in use in several European countries, including the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Portugal and Sweden. Its wider use was recommended following a proposal from Child Helpline International (CHI).
CHI data shows that children and young people made more than 10.5 million calls to child helplines during both 2005 and 2006.
The ITU invites all administrations to consider the allocation of the number 116 111 to give access to helplines run by organizations dedicated to the welfare of children.