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International Social Service General Secretariat

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Geneva
International Social Service General Secretariat

We are an international NGO founded almost 100 years ago, in 1924, in Geneva. Our Transformation Targets 2020 - 2024:
1. Measure the Social Impact of our work
5.

We are organized as a network of national entities that assists children and families confronted with complex social problems as a result of migration. ISS is omnipresent in child protection and child wellbeing activities thanks to its presence in more than 120 countries. Besides direct field activities, ISS engages in training and capacity building projects for social workers, caregivers as well

as officials from government authorities. Advocacy, policy development and research in favour of and to promote the respect of children’s best interests and rights are at the heart of our focus. Our core activities;
- We provide socio-legal assistance to families and children separated by borders;
- We protect children placed in vulnerable situations or deprived of their families;
- We evaluate national child protection frameworks and advocate for laws that are always in the best interests of the child;
- We analyze the laws and provide tailored technical advice with a special focus on intercountry adoption, pre and post adoption care and surrogacy;
- We offer training to all major stakeholders and professionals involved in child protection. Development of the world's first integrated Social work and Artificial Intelligence system in cross-border case management.
2. Creation of a Knowledge and Research Platform digitalising almost 100 years of documents on casework and advocacy.
3. Network Development and Training through the development of online training webinars for our global ISS staff.
4. Enhance External Communications and Fundraising

09/06/2026

Yesterday, we concluded the first day of the 2026 ISS International Council with a reception at the Embassy of Switzerland in Bulgaria / Посолство на Швейцария в България, graciously hosted by Ambassador Mr. Pierre Hagmann.

The International Council is the General Assembly of ISS and the highest decision-making body of the network. Convening every two years, it brings together the Presidents and Directors of ISS member organisations from around the world.

The Council was officially opened with a welcome address by Ms. Boriana Musseva, Associate Professor of Private International Law at Sofia University. Throughout the day, participants reviewed and discussed reports presented by the Governing Board, the Casework Coordinators Group, the Professional Advisory Committee, and the General Secretariat.

We extend our sincere gratitude to ISS Bulgaria and ISS Canada / SSI Canada Bulgaria for hosting the 2026 International Council and creating this valuable opportunity for exchange, collaboration, and strategic reflection across our global network.

04/06/2026

We are delighted to publish the ISS General Secretariat’s 2025 Impact Report!

Our report highlights the General Secretariat’s key activities and achievements throughout 2025, reflecting both the continuity of ISS’s core mission and the transitions currently shaping the organisation and the network.

Structured around the General Secretariat’s main areas of work - Cross Border Casework and Network Development, Programme Activities, and Network Collaboration - the report provides an overview of the impact, progress, and collective efforts that have marked the year.

The report is available for download in both English and French.
➡️ English: https://lnkd.in/dvG48uUk

➡️ French: https://lnkd.in/dGQiW-iR

02/06/2026

Today we present the final three ISS Ottawa Principles for protecting and affected by .

The ISS Working Group will continue to promote the adoption of the ISS Ottawa Principles and further support their dissemination and training among relevant stakeholders. Please feel free to contact [email protected] if you would like to collaborate.

➡️ Principle 13: Family Violence Safety Plans
In developing plans, authorities might face the challenge of addressing while ensuring the safety of both the child and the victim of violence.

To respond effectively, a coordinated approach is needed that combines safety planning, support networks, and cross-border cooperation of judicial and social services. Victims and their support networks should be actively involved in developing tailored safety measures that strengthen their autonomy and protection.

➡️ Principle 14 Cooperation
In addition to effective cooperation and communication among stakeholders across borders, an approach helps address the diverse needs of families.

Social workers, psychologists, and counsellors provide practical and emotional support to victims, while legal professionals and public authorities protect rights and ensure accountability. Healthcare professionals and teachers can identify signs of abuse early, and sociologists contribute knowledge on the causes and prevention of family violence. Where appropriate, mediation may help reduce conflict and support a child-centred approach.

➡️ Principle 15: Data Collection, Research, and Advocacy
Research, including comparative studies and strong data collection, is essential to better understand, prevent, and address cross-border family violence.

should also support evidence-based to influence policies and strengthen protections for victims, especially children.

Combining research with advocacy can help develop more effective, long-term global solutions to family violence.

You can download the ISS Ottawa Principles here iss-ssi.org/iss-resources.

26/05/2026

The ISS Ottawa Principles offer a comprehensive, rights-based approach to managing child protection cases, particularly in complex cross-border family contexts.

Today we highlight Principles 10, 11 and 12.

➡️ Principle 10 Legal Equity
States should provide access to private international law experts, free legal aid, interpreters, and culturally sensitive support services. Information about legal aid and complaint procedures, especially in family violence cases, should be clear and easy to understand.

➡️ Principle 11 Alternative Dispute Resolution
Cross-border family disputes are often complex due to distance, a child abduction, and a lack of a binding international legal framework.

Alternative Dispute Resolution including mediation, can be more constructive and effective than court-imposed arrangements as the latter might lack legal enforceability or practicality in another country. Dialogue is sometimes the only way to restore family links at a distance to reach agreements enabling both parents to participate in their children’s further development.

➡️ Principle 12 Durable Solutions
Alongside immediate protection, ongoing support helps prevent further conflict and instability, though interim measures may sometimes be necessary while solutions are developed.

States and courts should ensure foreign decisions are quickly recognised and enforced, and professionals should consider practical factors such as time, costs, and fair cost-sharing.

Organisations like theInternational Social Service can help families understand and implement decisions and provide continued longer -term support and planning to maintain and family relationships.

➡️ Learn more about the ISS Ottawa Principles,
https://iss-ssi.org/storage/2026/03/ISS-OTTAWA-PRINCIPLES-Final.pdf

14/05/2026

The ISS Ottawa Principles provide a comprehensive, rights-based framework for handling child protection cases - especially in cross-border and complex family situations.

Today we highlight Principles 7, 8 and 9.

➡️ Principle 7 Protection
Principle 7 underlines that states must have systems in place that can intervene proactively, identify warning signs early, and ensure families have access to legal aid, counseling, and crisis support in the language they understand. These obligations do not stop at national borders, and protection cannot be treated as secondary to parental rights. Timely, specialised support in cross-border family conflicts is not just good practice. It can prevent international .

➡️ Principle 8 Contact Rights
In cases of family violence, children's right to contact both parents can directly conflict with their right to safety. Courts must navigate this carefully. A violent parent's affection for their child does not automatically make contact safe or in the child's best interests. Temporary measures may be necessary while a full assessment takes place.

Where contact is permitted, it must happen in safe, professionally supported environments. Perpetrator intervention programs play an important role in preventing recidivism and rebuilding family relations responsibly.

➡️ Principle 9 Non- Refoulement
Returning a child to a place where they may be at risk, or directly to the home of an abusive parent without sufficient safeguards for the child's safety, conflicts with the rights of the child. Although family law and immigration law interplay in many cases, legal systems often fail to provide seamless protection. States shall protect victims of violence under residence law by, for example, allowing the child and their parent to stay in the country of refuge.

➡️ Follow us in the coming weeks and download the ISS Ottawa Principles,
https://iss-ssi.org/storage/2026/03/ISS-OTTAWA-PRINCIPLES-Final.pdf

07/05/2026

When family violence crosses borders, protection systems often reach their limits due to different procedures, lack of coordination and complex jurisdictions. The 15 ISS Ottawa Principles address these challenges and provide a framework for guidance.

Today we highlight Principles 4, 5 and 6.

➡Principle 4: The Best Interests of the Child
States must respect international conventions and bilateral agreements protecting children to guarantee the child’s best interests.
It is important to apply a coordinated, child-centred, and practical approach that prioritises safety, the child’s voice and effective international cooperation, and focuses on long-term well-being.

➡Principle 5: Prevention
Principle 5 stresses a proactive, interdisciplinary approach, particularly in cross-border situations where risks and vulnerabilities can be higher. States are expected to implement structural and social measures addressing underlying factors contributing to violence, and to ensure access to support and integration measures.

It is equally important to organise public education and awareness campaigns, and to train professionals to detect early signs of family conflict.

➡Principle 6: Detection and Screening
Family violence is often difficult to prove because it is frequently hidden, especially in cross-border situations where the parties are in different countries and legal and cultural approaches to violence differ. Authorities must carryout thorough risk assessments and continuous screening.

Principle 6 highlights the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in cross-border cases and encourages cooperation with specialised organisations such as the International Social Service to manage the complexities of international and intercultural family situations.

➡️ Follow us in the coming weeks and download the ISS Ottawa Principles on our website
https://iss-ssi.org/storage/2026/03/ISS-OTTAWA-PRINCIPLES-Final.pdf

05/05/2026

At the 6th Biennial International Conference on Alternative Care for Children in Asia (BICON 2025) held in Kuala Lumpur last October, government leaders, child protection experts, and care-experienced advocates from across the region shared the same conviction: no child should grow up without a safe, loving family.

The conference produced 20 concrete recommendations across six themes that chart a clear path forward for in Asia. A few that resonate deeply with ISS's own work:

1️⃣ Strengthen holistically through social protection, mental health support, and community-based networks to prevent separation before it happens.

2️⃣ Guarantee as a right, not a favour with housing, health, counselling, and employment pathways for young people leaving care.

3️⃣ Ensure care reform is disability-inclusive and grounded in not charity.

4️⃣ Build political will and accountability with monitoring of policies and budgets to sustain long-term reform.

5️⃣ Deepen regional collaboration on cross-border challenges including trafficking and illegal adoption.

As Khadijah Madihi, Senior Child Protection Expert noted at BICON: "Data may give us the map, but community gives us the compass."

ISS remains committed to supporting evidence-based, rights-centred care reform across Asia and globally.

➡️ Read the full BICON 2025 Report
https://bicon.asia/

➡️ Go to our website Go here to learn more about ISS's Alternative Care Programs,
https://iss-ssi.org/a-better-future-is-possible/

30/04/2026

28/04/2026

On 8 and 9 June, the ISS International Council will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria.

As our highest decision-making body, convening every two years, the International Council plays a key role in shaping the future of our organisation. It is a moment to reflect on past achievements, define policies, and set strategic priorities for years ahead.

In a context of declining support for and social work organisations, this year’s discussions will place particular emphasis on strengthening our network and its members. Through shared objectives, stronger synergies, and clear communication, we aim to position ISS as a resilient and forward-looking global actor in cross border child protection.

Learn more about our governance here,
https://iss-ssi.org/governance/

23/04/2026

When family violence crosses borders, protection systems often reach their limits due to different procedures, lack of coordination and complex jurisdictions.

The ISS Ottawa Principles address these challenges and provide a framework for guidance.

They aim to offer practical and multidisciplinary guidance to various stakeholders:
➡️ Lawmakers and public authorities
➡️ Courts
➡️ Social service professionals and child protection actors
➡️ NGO's and civil society actors
➡️ Law enforcement agencies
➡️ Academics and researchers in child protection, family law, and human rights.

By bridging the gap between legal frameworks and practical challenges, the Principles aim to enhance the ability of all actors to respond to cross-border family violence in a coordinated, , and culturally sensitive way.

They draw on both international standards and existing practices that have proven to be beneficial, recognising the importance of tailoring responses to local contexts while upholding universal and .

Follow us in the coming weeks to learn about the 15 Ottawa Principles!

And download the publication here,
https://lnkd.in/dsgzHXV5

Adresse

ISS General Secretariat, 32 Quai Du Seujet
Geneva
1201

Öffnungszeiten

Montag	09:00 - 18:00
Dienstag	09:00 - 18:00
Mittwoch	09:00 - 18:00
Donnerstag	09:00 - 18:00
Freitag	09:00 - 18:00

Telefon

+41229067700

Webseite

http://www.iss-ssi.org/

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