Eight Sri Lankan adoptees appeal against State for adoption fraud

Eight people who were adopted from Sri Lanka between 1983 and 1990 are appealing their case against the Dutch government. The court previously ruled that there were irregularities in these adoptions, but that the State is not liable.

The eight disagree. They refer to, among other things, the report of the Joustra committee from 2021. It states that the State was aware of structural abuses, but did not take responsibility and failed to meet obligations.

The eight Dutch people were all adopted through Stichting Flash. This agency, which was closed down in 2010, has been linked to abuses surrounding adoption on several occasions in the past. The government should have seen the signs of fraud and baby trafficking and the errors in files and should have intervened, their lawyer told the ANP news agency.

He clarifies what the errors are. Four of them were supposed to be half of a twin, but this turned out to be incorrect after DNA tests. Names, dates of birth and details of biological parents were also incorrect. As a result, the adoptees have incorrect details in their passports or do not know where their biological family is, says the lawyer.

The court previously ruled that these errors "are not so serious that the State should have recognized them." But the adoptees want the court to determine that the State is liable. Then they can get help in finding family members, changing their name or date of birth and the costs they incur in doing so. Such a ruling would provide satisfaction and recognition, the lawyer explains.

It is not yet known when the appeal will be heard.