Visit to Albania of the UNICEF Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe, Commonwealth of Independent States (CEE/CIS), Mr. Steven Allen
Mr. Steven Allen, UNICEF Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe, Commonwealth of Independent States (CEE/CIS) visited Albania from 22 to 25 March 2011, to discuss future cooperation of UNICEF with high level government counterparts and development partners. During his visit Mr. Steven Allen visited the Albanian National Child Helpline - ALO 116 that has been operating in Albania for 2 years. The helpline is a free 24/7 phone service, where children can obtain counseling and referral, also for emergency services. Each year, more than 150,000 children call the Helpline for assistance or information. The helpline uses the Pan-european number 116. The need for helplines has been subject of EU recommendations. Mr. Allen asked how ALO 116 connects children with public services and institutions. He stressed the importance and the impact of such a service on the life of children, and the need for sustainable public and private support to ALO 116.
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