PRESS CENTER

Press Release

Urgent announcement of decisions by the International Board of SOS Children’s Villages International

October 24 2025 - The Board met in an emergency session on the evening of 23 October 2025 and took decisive action following the grave news published in Austrian and then other media across the globe about historic cases of misconduct and abuse of children citing SOS-Kinderdorf Österreich (SOS CV Austria) and its former leader, Mr Hermann Gmeiner.

Statement

Facing difficult truths – strengthening our commitment to accountability and care

October 23 2025 - The entire SOS Children’s Villages federation is deeply saddened and shaken by the recent findings shared by SOS Children’s Villages Austria. We extend our deepest empathy, sorrow, and solidarity to all survivors who have endured harm.

Statement

Statement by Mimmo Parisi, Chair of SOS Children’s Villages International

October 23 2025 - First and foremost, my heart goes out to all those who suffered because of Hermann Gmeiner’s actions. The truth can never be denied — and by confronting it with honesty and courage, we become stronger and more resolute in our mission to protect and care for children everywhere.