The International Board of SOS Children’s Villages met in an emergency session on the evening of 23 October 2025 and took decisive action following reports in Austrian and international media about historic cases of misconduct and abuse of children linked to SOS Children’s Villages Austria (SOS Kinderdorf Österreich) and its former leader, Mr Hermann Gmeiner.
During its meeting, and in accordance with its governance Articles and Statutes, the International Board resolved to suspend SOS Children’s Villages Austria as a Member Association of the federation, along with its representative, Andreas Kovar, as a Member of the SOS Children’s Villages International Board.
In addition, the Board passed a motion recommending a future SOS Children’s Villages International Federation Extraordinary General Assembly consider a resolution to remove Austria’s designated seat on the SOS Children’s Villages International Board.
Commenting on the decisions of the SOS Children’s Villages International Board during the emergency session, International Board Chair, Dominico Parisi said: “The International Board’s hearts go out to all those who suffered because of one man’s actions. Children deserve happiness, dignity, and protection by those that they trust. Those who have betrayed this sacred trust deserve nothing but condemnation and shame for their actions.
But our organisation will not be defined by this dark stain on our history. These serious and meaningful decisions reflect the Board’s unwavering commitment to zero tolerance for any form of abuse or lack of transparency within our federation.
“Their swift actions will allow all who support SOS Children’s Villages, work for us and live in our communities to be confident of the tireless work, compassion, and dedication of the countless individuals globally who believe in a simple but powerful principle: every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable, and loving home.”
Alison Wallace, CEO of SOS Children’s Villages UK, said: “This news has come as a profound shock to the team in the UK. Our hearts go out to those affected by this man’s appalling abuse of power.
“We support the swift and direct actions taken in light of this news to suspend SOS Children’s Villages Austria for apparent failings in governance, transparency and safeguarding practice. We must ensure that that our commitment to protecting and supporting some of the most vulnerable children around the world is unshakeable.”
“It is only by confronting the darkness of the past that we can grow a legacy that we can be proud of in the future.
“We will continue to champion the need for full transparency and accountability for any and all failures of the past so that we can effectively move forward and ensure that children are and always remain at the heart of what we do.”
For further information or any queries, please refer to the SOS Children’s Villages International website.