The Independent Institution for the Missing ones in Syria Announces the Formation of Its First Advisory Council

The Independent Institution concerned with the affairs of the missing people in Syria has announced the formation of its first Advisory Council, a step described as essential for directly involving the families of the missing, survivors, and the civil society in its work.

In an official statement, the UN-affiliated institution stated that the new council will serve as a platform to exchange expertise and ideas between Syrian and international specialists, thereby enhancing effective participation from various concerned groups. It explained that it received more than 250 applications to join, with members selected through a transparent mechanism and an open invitation in both Arabic and English, including nominations from victims’ families, civil society, and professional experts.

The head of the institution, Carla Quintana, affirmed that forming the council represents a pivotal step to ensure the voices of families and survivors are heard and to empower them to contribute to the institution’s work, emphasizing the commitment to principles of transparency, inclusivity, and accountability.

Last month, the institution organized two workshops in Germany and Lebanon as a prelude to launching a wide-scale registration process allowing Syrian families to register their missing relatives resulting from the ongoing war that has lasted over a decade.

It is worth noting that the institution was established by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on June 29, 2023, with the aim of determining the fate of the missing in Syria and providing support to survivors and their families.