ISS – International Conference on 9 October 2024 (hybrid format)

The International Social Service (ISS) is celebrating its 100^th anniversary and to mark this milestone it is organising several events in Geneva from 7 to 10 October 2024. In particular, it will be holding an International Conference entitled “Throughout time, across borders: Navigating child protection and restoring family links” on 9 October 2024 in a hybrid format.

As stated on its website: Confirmed panelists and moderators represent the following organisations: International Social Service Network, Hague Conference on Private International Law, UNICEF, UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, Government of Switzerland, Government of South Africa, University of Bristol, Maastricht University, NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, and other professionals from partner organisations.

The International Conference is scheduled between 9 am – 6 pm CET. The agenda and the registration form are available at the following link: https://evenium.events/iss-100-conference. There is a fee to participate (reduced fee for students).

As many of you may know, ISS has been a key player in raising awareness, developing and implementing measures for the protection of children on the move and undoubtedly influences Private International Law. Among its publications are:

• Children on the Move
• Kafalah – Preliminary analysis of national and cross-border practices
• Several publications on adoption
• Several publications on International Family Mediation

ISS has also been involved in the development and during the negotiations of HCCH Conventions, for example by submitting the groundbreaking response to a Questionnaire during the preparatory work for the Child Abduction Convention: See, Summary of findings on a Questionnaire studied by the International Social Service, Preliminary Document No 3 of February 1979 – HCCH, Actes et documents de la Quatorzième session (1980) – Child Abduction, tome III, Child Abduction pp.130-143.