A new report on irregularities in intercountry adoptions and next steps

Following an earlier report published in 2020 on the adoption of children from Sri Lanka, this new report confirms a lack of adequate measures taken by the Swiss authorities in contexts of serious signs of irregularities during adoption proceedings in other countries. On 8 December 2023, the Federal Council acknowledged the outcomes of this new study focused on adoptions from Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, India, Colombia, Korea, Lebanon, Peru and Romania, which could therefore affect thousands of adoptees. Among other irregularities, the report mentions illegal practices, child trafficking, falsification of documents and missing declarations about origins.

Given this situation, the Federal Council has recognised the existence of these irregularities and has expressed its regret that the authorities had not acted enough in line with their responsibilities in relation to the children and their families, with an impact on their lives. A report published in November 2023 upon a mandate granted by the Conference of Directors of Cantonal Justice and Police Departments offers a set of recommendations as to how the Cantons may offer concrete solutions to better support those persons undertaking searches for their origins. Finally, the Federal Council has requested that an independent group of experts submit an in-depth assessment of the situation with a view to reforming the legislation on adoption.

CHIP welcomes the ongoing efforts of Switzerland to address and respond to past practices in intercountry adoption and to ensure support for those persons and families affected, including in relation to their searches for identity and origins.

See: Federal Council. International adoption law: Federal Council sees need for action. 8 December 2023. Available at: https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/documentation/media-releases.msg-id-99228.html.