Centar za nestalu i zlostavljanu djecu

EU Legislative Interests

CNZD and its programme CSI align their work with several key European Union legislative proposals and policies that focus on child protection, digital safety, and the rights of vulnerable groups. Their activities are closely connected to the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child (2021–2024), which emphasizes protection against violence, access to justice, and safeguarding children in digital environments. Through counselling, helplines, and awareness campaigns, CNZD and CSI put these priorities into practice at the national level. They are also strongly engaged with the EU Strategy for a Better Internet for Kids (BIK+) (2022), which promotes age-appropriate digital services and protection from harmful content. CSI’s Hotline for reporting illegal material, its Helpline, and tools such as “Take it Down” reflect the goals of this strategy. In addition, CSI’s work is directly linked to the Proposal for a Regulation to Prevent and Combat Child Sexual Abuse (2022), which obliges online service providers to detect, report, and remove child sexual abuse material. The Hotline and reporting mechanisms already in place anticipate and support these requirements. Their remit also resonates with the Digital Services Act (DSA), which regulates how platforms handle illegal content and ensure transparency. CNZD’s expertise in cases of missing and trafficked children further ties into the EU Anti-Trafficking Directive, currently under revision, by providing frontline support to victims and families. Finally, their social and educational programmes for children in care, at risk of poverty, or in migration directly contribute to the objectives of the European Child Guarantee (2021), which aims to secure equal access to education, healthcare, and adequate living conditions. Together, these connections demonstrate how CNZD and CSI act as national implementers of EU priorities, turning legislative and policy frameworks into concrete support, protection, and empowerment for children.

Communication Activities

CNZD and CSI carry out a wide range of communication activities that connect directly to the EU policies on children’s rights, online safety, and protection from abuse and trafficking. Their work emphasizes raising awareness among children, parents, professionals, and the wider public, while also translating EU-level priorities into practical, local initiatives. One of their central efforts is the Safer Internet Day, marked annually across the EU as part of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK+) strategy. CSI organizes national campaigns, school workshops, and public events on this day, engaging children, teachers, parents, and media to promote safe and responsible internet use. These events often include interactive sessions, expert talks, and the launch of new educational materials that make EU digital safety policies accessible to the public. CNZD and CSI also run awareness campaigns throughout the year. Campaigns such as “Sigurno online za uspješno offline” (“Safe Online for a Successful Offline”) directly support the EU Strategy for a Better Internet for Kids by encouraging positive digital habits and highlighting risks like grooming or cyberbullying. Targeted guides and toolkits for parents, such as “Kada je vrijeme za prvi mobitel?” (“When is it time for a first mobile phone?”), are published to help families navigate technology in line with EU calls for safer digital environments. In connection with the EU proposal to combat child sexual abuse, CSI promotes its Hotline for reporting illegal content and tools such as “Take it Down”, which allow for the reporting and removal of intimate images or videos. These are publicized through school programmes, social media campaigns, and direct outreach to professionals working with children. Similarly, CNZD communicates actively about its 116 000 hotline for missing children, aligning with EU frameworks on child disappearance and the Anti-Trafficking Directive, by highlighting how families can get immediate help. Publications form another important communication channel. CNZD issues guides, reports, and manuals for professionals in education, social care, and law enforcement, often developed within EU-funded projects. CSI maintains a Knowledge Hub (HUB Znanja), an online platform offering resources on digital safety and media literacy, which complements the EU’s Better Internet for Kids portal. Both organizations publish annual reports that not only ensure transparency but also communicate results back to EU institutions and funders. Finally, CNZD and CSI frequently organize training sessions, conferences, and expert panels, often in partnership with ministries, schools, and EU-funded programmes. These events spread knowledge about EU child protection strategies and ensure that policies are translated into action at the community level. By combining high-visibility public campaigns with targeted professional education, their communication activities build strong bridges between EU policies and the everyday lives of children and families in Croatia.

Interests Represented

Does not represent commercial interests

Member Of

CNZD and CSI are members of several European and international networks that strengthen child protection and online safety. They are part of ECPAT International (https://ecpat.org), a global network dedicated to ending the sexual exploitation of children, and Eurochild (https://www.eurochild.org), which promotes children’s rights and well-being across Europe. They are also active within Missing Children Europe (MCE) (https://missingchildreneurope.eu), the federation for missing and sexually exploited children, and Emmaus Europe (https://emmaus-europe.org), a solidarity movement tackling social exclusion. In the digital sphere, CSI is a member of INHOPE (https://inhope.org), the international association of internet hotlines, and INSAFE (https://www.betterinternetforkids.eu/insafe), the European network of Safer Internet Centres supported by the European Commission. These memberships enable CNZD and CSI to exchange expertise, take part in joint campaigns, and ensure their work in Croatia is aligned with EU and international standards.

Organisation Members

CNZD and CSI do not have individual or corporate members. The organisations operate as independent non-profit entities with professional staff and volunteers. They work in close cooperation with national authorities, schools, universities, and civil society partners. A list of partner institutions and affiliated entities is available on our website: https://cnzd.org/partneri/.

Additional Information

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