Quintana: families were the driving force behind the institution; outreach includes diaspora

Quintana repeatedly emphasized that the institution was created at the request of families of missing Syrians and that it "works for the families." She said families, civil society and member states supported creation of the office and that the institution's advisory board includes representatives from affected communities.

The office is collecting reports from the Syrian diaspora in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Germany and is using those records to strengthen lines of inquiry and provide families with information. Quintana said building trust with families requires explaining clearly what the institution can and cannot do and avoiding raising false expectations.

She said the institution continues outreach even without a permanent office in Syria, but a local office would improve regular engagement with families inside the country.