Report a Concerning Situation
A child in danger cannot wait. If you witness or are affected by a situation endangering a child in Mali — abusive fostering, violence, early marriage, exploitation, mistreatment — you can act. This page tells you how. The speed of a report can save a life.
Children Exposed to Invisible Dangers
In the streets of Mali, thousands of children remain exposed to all kinds of everyday dangers. Some fall victim to traffic accidents, become ill, or die, sometimes without anyone being able to identify their guardians or family of origin. These children — talibés, fostered children, street children — represent the blind spots of institutional protection systems. They depend on the vigilance and civic courage of every citizen for their situation to be brought to the attention of the relevant authorities.
Your Report Has Legal and Moral Value
In Mali, as in most countries that are signatories to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, every citizen has a moral duty — and in some cases a legal one — to report a situation endangering a child. Failing to report can sometimes allow a situation to deteriorate beyond repair. A report, even an uncertain one, is better than silence. Child protection professionals are trained to assess situations and act with discernment. You do not need to be certain — you need to report.
What Situations Should Be Reported?
A fostered child suffering physical violence — beatings, food deprivation, humiliation — in their host family. A minor girl forced to work as domestic help without schooling or pay. A talibé child sent to beg in the streets, subjected to whipping by their Quranic teacher. The early marriage of a minor girl (under 16) or a minor boy (under 18).
A child completely cut off from their family, sleeping on the street, without access to food or care. A child who is a victim of sexual violence or exploitation. A child recruited by an armed group or exposed to conflict situations. Any situation in which a child appears to you to be in immediate danger — your protective instinct is a signal worth taking seriously.
How to Report? — A 5-Step Procedure
1
Secure the Child
If possible, and without putting
in danger, remove the child from the situation of immediate danger.
2
Contact the DNPEF
National Directorate for the Promotion of Children and Families — the primary structure responsible for reports in Bamako.
3
Contact the Police
For situations involving violence, sexual abuse, or an immediate emergency in your commune.
4
Contact a Local NGO
UNICEF Mali, Plan International, Save the Children, SOS Children's Villages — present in the main cities.
5
Document If Possible
Photos, testimonies, dates, names — without exposing yourself or the child to retaliation.
Key Child Protection Contacts in Mali
Numéros d’urgence nationaux
Security toll-free number: 80 331. Mali National Police: 80 00 11 25. Mali National Gendarmerie: 80 00 11 14. Emergency Response Center: 80 00 11 11. Civil Protection: 80 00 12 01. Gender-Based Violence: 80 333. Central Office for Narcotics (OCS): 80 00 31 31.
Structures spécialisées protection de l’enfance
DNPEF (National Directorate for the Promotion of Children and Families) — Bamako: +223 20 20 53 03 / +223 20 20 56 56. Samusocial Mali: +223 20 21 97 10. UNICEF Mali — Bamako Office: +223 44 97 70 00. Plan International Mali: +223 44 90 09 56. Save the Children Mali: +223 44 98 35 35. SOS Children's Villages Mali: +223 20 28 96 63 / +223 20 28 57 60.
Confidentiality & Protection of Whistleblowers
Your Anonymity Is Protected
You are not required to give your identity in order to report a situation. The protection of the child comes first and foremost. Competent structures are subject to strict confidentiality rules. Your report can remain completely anonymous — what matters is that the child is protected, not that the person reporting is identified.
AMAPISE — A Trusted Confidential Relay
If you fear retaliation or are unsure which structure to turn to, address your report directly to AMAPISE. We provide a confidential, discreet, and caring relay to the competent structures, preserving your anonymity and guiding the child toward the protection they need.
Confidential email: amapise@enfanceafrique.org / contact@enfanceafrique.org
📞 Phone / WhatsApp: +223 93 88 55 69
A report, even an uncertain one, is better than silence. Child protection professionals are trained to assess situations and act with discernment. You do not need to be certain — you need to report. Act now.
Form to Report an Urgent Case
Fill out this form to report a concerning situation. Your anonymity is guaranteed. We will process your report as quickly as possible.