An independent voice for ethical adoption

UNICEF has released an official position statement on intercountry adoption, which clarifies the often controversial Article 21 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The ambiguity of Article 21 has lead some to interpret the Article as supportive of long term institutionalization over intercountry adoption--a position that at times seemed to be an official stance of UNICEF.

The Statement, released on 01/15/04, acknowledges that institutionalization should be a short term measure, and that intercountry adoption should be an option when a permanent family cannot be found for the child in his or her country of birth.

The statement also acknowledges the problems that often occur in adoption, and encourages the use of the Hague Convention as one solution to these problems.

Ethica strongly believes that reform of the intercountry adoption process is necessary in many countries of origin and in receiving countries. On the other hand, it must be acknowledged that rapid and unplanned changes often result in moratoria and the rapid decline of protective child welfare services in many countries, often making children even more vulnerable to human rights abuses. In light of this, Ethica strongly supports the gradual implementation of changes which address both short and long term goals for establishing appropriate child welfare policies.

Ethica is pleased to see UNICEF clarifying its formal position on intercountry adoption, and encourages UNICEF to actively support, both in spirit and financially, well-planned, long-term implementation plans in countries which need systemic changes to their adoption systems.