Recognition by the French State of illicit practices in international adoption: EFA's proposals to the High Commissioner for Children.

EFA advocates for an official and formal recognition by the French State, as the host country for the children, of its responsibility and negligence which have allowed illegal and irregular adoptions in matters of international adoption.

 

Recognition that the victims were waiting for

This recognition is eagerly awaited by the victims of these practices: first and foremost, adopted people, but also their biological and adoptive families. EFA emphasizes these three levels.

It must be documented by evidence provided by the results of investigations carried out by the countries of origin and by the adopted persons.

For EFA, this recognition should not be an indictment against international adoption, which remains today a protective measure that meets the interests of the child deprived of a family when it is not possible to find a satisfactory solution for him in his country of origin.

For symbolic and operational recognition

EFA is in favor of:

• a parliamentary resolution accompanied by apologies from the head of government at an event in the presence of representatives of the associations concerned (children and parents) and biological families, with speeches from the guests;
• the establishment in November of an annual day dedicated in reference to the International Convention on the Rights of the Child and to Adoption Month.

This recognition, accompanied by apologies, is necessary for its symbolic value but will only benefit the victims if it is accompanied by concrete announcements such as:

• the creation of an independent commission of inquiry tasked with assessing and analyzing the extent of illegal practices in international adoption;
• the management of the after-effects of trauma experienced by victims;
• actions aimed at facilitating origin searches;
• the continuation of cooperation at European level to pool practices and knowledge;
• the continuation of the prevention of illegal practices in international adoption.