The number, already in use in many countries, was recommended following a proposal from Child Helpline International (CHI), an organization that represents child helplines globally.

CHI data shows that children and youngsters made more than 10.5 million calls to child helplines during each of the years 2005 and 2006. Child helplines have become an important mechanism for children to obtain support, counselling, referral and intervention.

"Child helplines have become a lifeline for vulnerable children in many countries," said Malcolm Johnson, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, "ITU endorses the proposal to give added momentum to one harmonized number — 116 111 — being adopted worldwide, in addition to well-established existing numbers. Having a single number that will work everywhere will benefit children in need around the world. As the number becomes embedded in the global consciousness, more and more children will profit."

Experts agree that if children have the opportunity to call a harmonized telephone number from wherever they are, more children will get the support they need. An easy-to-remember telephone number will help to better protect the rights and welfare of children around the world.

The importance of child helplines was endorsed at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in November 2005: "We encourage countries, and all other interested parties, to make available child helplines, taking into account the need for mobilization of appropriate resources. For this purpose, easy-to-remember numbers, accessible from all phones and free of charge, should be made available."