Piraeus Bank and UNICEF join forces in the effort to strengthen child protection

The cooperation between the two partners aims to strengthen the foundations for the protection of every child in Greece. 

The signing of the official agreements between the UNICEF Greece Country Office and Piraeus Bank today marks the beginning of an important cooperation, aiming at developing a programme to strengthen child protection in the country. 

An initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation between the competent authorities involved in cases of child abuse and neglect, through the development of common child-centred procedures. In addition, standard tools will be developed to enhance the equitable treatment of all children at risk by designing a unified data collection system for child survivors of abuse and neglect. A system that will empower competent authorities in decision- and policy-making to ensure a high level of protection for all children. 

According to the Council of Europe and UNICEF, 1 in 8 children worldwide have been sexually abused or exploited at some point in their lives. In Europe, around 1 in 5 children are estimated to have suffered from some form of sexual violence and between 70 and 85% of children know their abuser. A third of abused children never tell anyone about their abuse. 

Although Greece has taken significant steps in recent years to address this serious issue, there is still an imperative need to create a strong institutional framework for child protection against all forms of violence, with emphasis on prevention, through specialised child protection services. 

“We are particularly pleased to join forces with Piraeus Bank, an organisation with a significant social contribution and a track record proving that it substantially invests in the protection and well-being of children through its initiatives. Children need to feel safe at home, at school, in their neighbourhood. Together, we aspire to contribute to strengthening the child protection system in Greece and creating a society where every child is safe to grow, develop and thrive,” said UNICEF Diplomatic Representative in Greece, Dr Ghassan Khalil. 

“It is a great honour and pleasure for us at Piraeus Bank to cooperate with the most emblematic and active international organisation for children, undertaking joint actions in Greece to protect them against all forms of violence and support their rights. These actions add particular value and depth to the multifaceted corporate social responsibility programme we are implementing. Our commitment to Greek society is to work systematically for the social progress and well-being of all, without discrimination and exclusion that particularly affects our most vulnerable citizens. Child protection, as a top social and institutional priority, is our duty and is at the heart of our actions”, said Christos Megalou, CEO of Piraeus Bank. 

Athens, 22 November 2023