1 October 2025 - Geneva, Switzerland 

The Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic held its inaugural Advisory Board meeting in Geneva on 30 September and 1 October 2025. This milestone gathering brought together newly appointed Board Members, including Syrian civil society representatives, victims’ advocates, and international experiences, alongside the Institution’s leadership and programmatic staff. 

The meeting aimed to clarify roles and expectations through a review of the draft Terms of Reference, share updates on the Institution’s efforts on search, data collection and analysis, support, participation, operations, and future plans, and foster collaboration and build working methods among Board Members.

The appointed members are: 
- In the Victims category: Riyad Avlar, Momina Al-Haj Ali, Wasel Hamideh, Yasmeen Al-Meshaan, Fadwa Mahmoud, and Izzedin Saleh. 
- In the Syrian Civil Society category: Jalal Al-Hamad, Oula Al-Sheikh Hasan, and Joumana Seif.
- In the International Experiences category: Hanny Megally and Mercedes Salado Puerto. 

The Advisory Board plays a vital role in ensuring meaningful participation of civil society, victims, and experts in the Institution’s work. The Independent Institution is grateful for the commitment and insights shared during these two days of dialogue and planning.