Illegal adoptions: “Those affected must be supported”

Between 1970 and 1999, several thousand children from abroad probably came to Switzerland illegally for adoption. This is what a new report shows. These illegal practices are known from Sri Lanka. “Back to the Roots” tries to support those affected and help them deal with their adoption story. Sarah Ineichen is co-founder of the association and came to Switzerland as a baby from Sri Lanka to adoptive parents. She now also wants to help adoptees from other countries.

SRF News: What did the report trigger for you?

Sarah Ineichen: I'm shocked. It was clear to us that the irregularities in adoptions from Sri Lanka were just the tip of the iceberg. It is now factually proven that ten other countries of origin are affected. There are countless fates behind these numbers.

Those affected should be supported. At best.

And we are affected: no amount of money will make up for it. It's time for the federal government and the cantons to stand up. If a mistake has been made, I believe we can expect an apology. And those affected should be supported. At best.

Back to the Roots is a contact point for adoptees from Sri Lanka. What does your work look like?

Those affected are accompanied by a reference person from us. First, we make an initial contact with those seeking help, record their adoption history and their family environment. Sometimes specific trauma therapy is needed to accompany the process. We analyze the documents. Sometimes you need a DNA test because all the documents are fake. It is a lifelong process to clarify the questions: Who am I, where and when was I born, who are my parents?

The main goal should be that those affected can come to terms with the adoption story, learn a little bit of truth and get the best out of it so that they are well in the here and now.

That takes a lot of time.

Often these are exclusion criteria. We check the facts in the existing documents. Very often they come to nothing and those affected have more questions than answers. But we believe that dealing with the truth and processing it helps those affected in their personal process. The main goal should be that those affected can come to terms with the adoption story, learn a little bit of the truth and get the best out of it so that they are well in the here and now.

Is your offer being used?

The influx is larger than expected. It was agreed that 60 people would be included in the federal pilot project; after two years, 70 people are already in the program and others are on the waiting list.

Do you expect even more inquiries now that new countries are being added?

In any case. We constantly receive new inquiries - including from people from countries other than Sri Lanka for whom we do not yet have financing.

And what about the capacity to look after other affected people?

We currently don't have the resources. However, the concept could be expanded to include all countries of origin.

There is a need for an authority-independent contact point in which those affected can build trust.

What's next for Back to the Roots? The federal pilot project expires at the end of 2024.

We submit a report every year, the demand is there, the impact is there, we can provide the necessary support. It is now up to the federal government and the cantons to approach us and extend this project or even expand it to all people adopted abroad.

What do the federal government and cantons say about this?

The federal government says that the cantons are responsible for searching for origin. The cantons say that responsibility has not yet been clarified. We ourselves see it very clearly: There is a need for an authority-independent contact point in which those affected can build trust.

The federal government has set up a group of experts to review adoption law. What are your hopes for the future?

It must be ensured that such cases do not happen again.