Organizations call for review of moratorium on foreign adoptions
Published: Friday, Dec 8th 2023, 16:40
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Following the publication of the study on irregularities in international adoptions, various organizations have called on the federal government to consider a moratorium on international adoptions. In addition, all international adoptions should be systematically investigated and the people concerned should be supported in their search for their origins.
The adoptees have the right to know whether their adoption was illegal and whether the authorities neglected their duty of supervision and protection, according to four organizations that campaign for the rights of those affected. These include Espace A, the International Social Service SSI, Foster and Adoptive Children Switzerland (Pach) and the Swiss Red Cross Tracing Service.
This is because the right to know one's origins is recognized in Swiss law. Among other things, the organizations are calling for the search for origin to remain free of charge for all affected persons and for specifically trained and qualified persons to be deployed to assist them. Furthermore, a secure DNA database and the necessary legal basis are needed.
The report by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) has made it clear that a historical review of all foreign adoptions in Switzerland from the 1960s to the present day is necessary. To this end, further scientific research should be carried out, including for other countries of origin. The current adoption practice in the cantons should also be part of the investigation.
Despite improvements, there are still indications of illegal adoption practices. The organizations are therefore calling on the authorities to consider a moratorium on foreign adoptions. An information campaign is also needed to raise public awareness.
Finally, the organizations want to set up a platform for adoptees where those affected can obtain information and organize themselves. To this end, a national networking meeting is planned for the coming year.
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