July 31 2025
SOS Children's Villages Syria Designates New National Director Until Completion of Investigations into Case of Forcibly Disappeared Children
Damascus – 30 July 2025
SOS Children's Villages Syria declares that, in maintaining neutrality regarding investigation procedures concerning allegations of forcibly disappeared children, and in pursuit of the children's best interests, the Association's Board of Directors convened on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, and decided to suspend the National Director of the Association, Mr. Samer Khaddam, from his duties effective from the date of this decision until the completion of judicial investigations and the issuance of a final verdict regarding the matter.
During the same session, the Board of Directors decided to assign Mr. Mohammed Fateh Al-Abbasi to undertake the duties and responsibilities of the National Director. The Directorate of Social Affairs and Labor in Damascus has been informed of the contents of this decision.
SOS Children's Villages Syria had previously announced on 1 May 2025 the resignation of Ms. Samar Daaboul, Chair of the Association's Board of Directors, from her position to ensure the completion of internal investigations into the case of disappeared children with full neutrality.
It is worth noting that since this issue was first raised on social media platforms, the Association promptly cooperated with the Syrian Ministry of Social Affairs and shared all relevant information regarding children who had been referred to its care by previous authorities without proper documentation. The Association also called for an urgent investigation and expressed its full readiness to cooperate with any authorized official or human rights entity.
At a later stage, the Association, in consultation with SOS Children's Villages International, submitted a request to the Public Prosecution in Damascus on 13 January 2025, demanding an official investigation into the disappearance of the children and assistance
in uncovering their fate. Subsequently, the Public Prosecution ordered investigations into the case.
The Association has placed all its documents and records at the disposal of judicial authorities, affirming its full cooperation and the full cooperation of its staff with relevant entities to uncover the truth. This reflects the Association's steadfast commitment to reuniting families and ensuring every possible effort is made to reveal the truth and safeguard the children's best interests.
Additionally, on 22 June 2025, all documents and records related to the investigation files were handed over to the Director of Internal Audit at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor. This action preceded the Ministry's official letter dated 24 June regarding the necessity of cooperation with the investigation committee.
In this context, SOS Children's Villages Syria reaffirms its ongoing commitment to supporting children without family care, providing them with protection, supporting their rights, and ensuring they grow up in an environment that offers the family care they need.
SOS Children's Villages Syria has been operating in the country since 1975, adhering to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Over the past decades, the Association has persistently carried out its duties amid significant challenges, guided by its unwavering principles that prioritize the care of children and youth above all considerations, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.
It should be noted that SOS Children's Villages International, which operates in more than 137 countries and territories including Syria, does not align with any political entities or regimes. For more information, please contact: