19 May 2025
The Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic is pleased to announce that it is accepting nominations to join its first Advisory Board. The Board will have nine members who meet regularly to provide confidential views and advice to the Head of the Independent Institution on its programmes and operations.
The Independent Institution was established by and for Syrians and will operate with them to determine the fate and whereabouts of all missing persons in Syria, and to support their families. Families of the missing and civil society were at the forefront of efforts to establish the Independent Institution, and their role remains crucial going forward.
The Advisory Board is one of several channels through which Syrian victims and civil society can participate in and engage with the Independent Institution, and which aim to put the principle of meaningful participation of victims, including survivors and family members, into practice across all aspects of its work. Seven of the Board’s nine seats are expected to be filled by Syrians, and two by internationals.
The Independent Institution is seeking applicants from three categories, while recognising that there is frequent overlap between them:
Victims, including family members of missing persons in Syria and survivors of detention or disappearance, with a proven track record of activism or mobilization for victims' rights (5 members);
Individuals with a relevant background from Syrian civil society (including but not limited to civil society organizations, women's organizations, professional or labour unions, research or higher education institutions, or media outlets) (2 members);
Individuals with international experience in addressing the issue of missing persons or related fields; this could include victims from other country contexts (2 members).
For more detailed information about the Advisory Board, selection criteria, and the nomination process, and to apply, please click here. The deadline for receiving nominations is Sunday 15 June 2025.
If you have questions or would like to share any views regarding the Advisory Board, please email us at iimp-syria@un.org.