History – ISS

Our history

International Social Service was founded in 1924 in response to large scale European migration which started at the end of the 19th Century.

After World War I, the situation became dire in several European countries resulting in thousands of migrants applying for refuge in the USA. This new state of affairs triggered the development of various intercountry relationships requiring a new type of social services. In this context ISS was founded and offices were established at key locations to provide information and assistance to migrants. These initial establishments formed the ISS network and by working together, they developed common working principles and methods. Their collaboration gradually became more solid and efficient, and during World War II, remained firm.

A hundred years journey

1918

The aftermath of WWI

Immediately after WWI, families try to find and reunite with their missing loved ones, creating huge migratory flows of people who want to return home.

1918

1920

YWCA Forms Standing Migration Committee

YWCA leaders from around the world and other dignitaries convene in Champéry, Switzerland, recognising the need for co-ordinated international work to assist migrants. A Standing Migration Committee is appointed.

1920

1921

International Migration Service Department Established

The YWCA establishes a London-based International Migration Service Department to assist migrant women and children. Service bureaux open in Prague, Warsaw, Paris, Cherbourg, Le Havre, Antwerp, Athens, and Istanbul.

1921

1922-1923

Call for a Permanent Migration Agency

A report poses the question, “How far should human suffering be taken into consideration in new migration laws?” and recognises the need for a permanent agency on migration.

1922-1923

1924

Creation of the International Migration Service

The International Migration Service (IMS) is established as a separate international entity with its headquarters in Geneva. The International Social Service (ISS) is mentioned as an alternative name and comes into effect after WWII.

Founding Members and Global Offices

The founding members of IMS/ISS are Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, Poland, Germany, and the USA. Besides its headquarters in Geneva, the initial IMS/ISS offices are located in seaports across North America, Europe, and Japan.

1924

1926

ISS Advocates for Children’s Rights

ISS participates in the first meeting in Geneva discussing the necessity of establishing a Convention on the Rights of the Child.

First Report on Children on the Move

ISS publishes the first report on children on the move, highlighting the problems faced by children during their migration journeys. The report is based on the study of 132 specific cross-border cases handled by the first ISS members.

1926

1928-1935

Expansion and Growing Impact

Additional ISS members are founded in Germany and Switzerland. By this time, ISS has assisted 20,000 cases worldwide.

1928-1935

1945

Rebuilding After the War

After WWII, only four ISS members and the Geneva headquarters continue operations. A special effort focuses on expanding the network to address increasing migration flows.

1945

1947

ISS Gains Consultative Status

ISS gains special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

1947

1945-1955

Global Expansion of the ISS Network

The ISS network expands to include new members and partners across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific.

1945-1955

1955

45,000 Cross-Border Cases Worldwide

ISS handles more than 45,000 individual cross-border cases across 72 countries.

1955

1961

ISS Strengthens International Presence

ISS leaders represent the organisation on UN Committees on Refugees, Human Rights, and the Status of Women. ISS also gains consultative status with the Council of Europe.

1961

1963

Contributing to The Hague Convention

ISS prepares a report and contributes to the drafting of The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.

1963

1974

50th Anniversary of ISS

ISS celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of international social service and cooperation.

Symposium on Migration in the 70s

A symposium is held in Geneva on “Migration in the 70s”. By this time, ISS counts 16 members, more than 60 affiliated partners, and has handled 100,000 cases.

1974

1978

International Year of the Child

In 1978, designated as the International Year of the Child, ISS celebrates the occasion by publishing a book titled “The Effects of Migration on Families and Children”.

1978

1990

A Global ISS Network

ISS is now a network of 16 members and affiliated partners, present in more than 90 countries worldwide.

1990

1994

Creation of the International Reference Centre

The International Reference Centre for the Rights of Children Deprived of Their Families (ISS/IRC) is established as a programme within the ISS General Secretariat.

1994

2000

75th Anniversary of ISS

ISS celebrates its 75th anniversary with the leading theme “Young People in Migration – in Historical Context”.

2000

2007

Publication of ISS Reference Document

The ISS General Secretariat publishes “The Activities of the International Social Service and Their Legal Bases” as a reference document governing ISS operations.

2007

2008

Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children

ISS contributes to the drafting of the Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children, submitted to the United Nations General Assembly. The Guidelines are formally endorsed by the UN General Assembly on 20 November 2009.

2008

2010

Modernising ISS Governance

ISS revises and adopts new statutes and by-laws, introducing a modern governance model with an elected governing board and professional committees.

2010

2014

International Conference on Child Protection and Family Mediation

Together with the Hague Conference on Private International Law, ISS co-organises an international conference on child protection and family mediation, attended by more than 70 agencies and government representatives.

2014

2016

International Conference on Alternative Care

ISS organises an international conference on Alternative Care in Geneva, bringing together 400 participants and over 30 leading experts in plenary sessions, conducted in three working languages.

Children on the Move Becomes a Core Activity

ISS introduces *Children on the Move* as one of its core activities.

2016

2017

Training Resources on Children on the Move

ISS publishes a manual on “Children on the Move” and subsequently produces three Massive Open Online Courses to train relief and social workers on issues concerning unaccompanied minors in migration.

2017

2019-2020

Strengthening Safeguarding and Accountability

ISS equips itself with several policies and codes to safeguard children, guide staff and volunteer conduct, and ensure data protection, consolidating accountability across its operations. The organisation also revises its global casework manual.

2019-2020

2021

Support for Ukrainian Refugees

ISS launches an international appeal to support its conflict-related social work activities assisting Ukrainian refugees.

2021

2022

Post-Pandemic Renewal and New Core Activity

At its first in-person meeting after the COVID-19 pandemic, hosted by ISS Serbia, ISS revises its statutes and adopts a resolution making Search for Origins in intercountry adoption contexts one of its core activities.

2022

2023

A Global Presence in 120 Countries

ISS counts 35 members, 2 regional offices, and numerous emerging partners, covering ISS activities in 120 countries worldwide.

2023

2024

Centenary Celebrations in Geneva

During the week of 7 October 2024 in Geneva, the ISS network holds its International Council, an international conference, and an exhibition showcasing 100 years of ISS history, culminating in an anniversary dinner to mark its centenary.

2024

Today

ISS Today

Today, ISS stands as a global network committed to protecting children, families, and individuals across borders. With members and partners active in more than 120 countries, ISS continues to promote human rights, social justice, and international cooperation, building on a century of service to those in migration and need.