Our records review found that 139 children without proper documentation were placed in interim alternative care at SOS Children’s Villages in Syria between 2013 and 2018. Of these, 81 stayed for less than three months; 104 were returned to the authorities, 34 were reunited with their families, and one child was referred to a disability centre. Fifteen additional cases remain under review to determine whether they meet the same criteria.
SOS Children’s Villages Syria is cooperating with the transitional government and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to support family tracing and reunification efforts.
Thirteen of the 34 children reunited with their families were Russian nationals. While the ICRC has confirmed that these children were repatriated to Russia, it was not involved in facilitating their repatriation.
The placements of children in interim alternative care were primarily part of our Humanitarian Response Programme during the war, aimed at protecting unaccompanied and separated children, and some were imposed upon us by the authorities at the time. While in our care, the children received support consistent with our principles of safety and well-being.
We regret the untenable situation we found ourselves in when receiving the children and unequivocally disapprove of such practices, as children should never be separated from their families unless it is in their best interest. We have been proactively addressing these issues since 2018, when we demanded that the previous government stop placing children under our care without proper documentation.
From 2020, SOS Children's Villages Syria has been under the leadership of a new National Director. Since then, significant due diligence has been undertaken by SOS Children’s Villages to uphold transparency and integrity.
We deeply empathize with families searching for missing children and wish to support them however we can. SOS Children’s Villages Syria has shared details of the 139 identified children with the transitional government and the ICRC to support family tracing and potential reunifications. A cooperative relationship with the interim Ministry of Social Affairs, aimed at enabling tracing efforts and further investigation, was formalized during a meeting on 6 January 2025.
We have received allegations from individuals and organizations that certain children may have been placed in our care. Although our internal review has so far found no records confirming these placements, we take all such concerns seriously. In early 2025, we submitted a formal request to the Public Prosecutor in Damascus to fully investigate these cases. We are also sharing relevant information with the transitional authorities and humanitarian actors to support tracing efforts.
SOS Children’s Villages Syria has operated in the country since 1975, navigating complex challenges during periods of significant political and social upheaval. Our work is guided solely by the best interests of children and young people, irrespective of their backgrounds or circumstances. Our purpose is to protect children, uphold their rights, and ensure that each child grows up with the bonds they need to become their strongest selves. We work in alignment with international child rights law and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
SOS Children’s Villages International does not align itself with any political entities or regimes. We adhere to the same principles across more than 130 countries and territories where we operate, including Syria.
We remain committed to working with the transitional government and partners in Syria to trace families and support reunification wherever possible, in line with international best practices. We will continue to do everything we can to maintain our operations in Syria, prioritizing the safety and security of children, young people and our staff during this challenging time.