NAMIBIAN MINISTER OPPOSES INTER-COUNTRY CHILD ADOPTION

NAMIBIAN MINISTER OPPOSES INTER-COUNTRY CHILD ADOPTION

WINDHOEK – Defence Deputy Minister PETRUS IILONGA of NAMIBIA says he is concerned about allowing inter-country adoption of children.

He says allowing children to be adopted by foreign nationals is not in the best interest of the child, as there is no way of monitoring the safety of the adopted youngster.

Deputy Minister IILONGA says NAMIBIAN children should be raised in NAMIBIA rather than being sent to foreign countries, where their safety and well-being are not guaranteed.

He emphasises the need to maintain the culture of extended families, to ensure if a child is orphaned a relative can take care of him or her.

The Cabinet member made the comments when he was contributing to the debate on the Child Care and Protection Bill in the National Assembly.

Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture Deputy Minister JULIETA KAVETUNA has also welcomed the provision to allow social workers to intervene in custody cases.

She says such an arrangement will help ensure the best interests of the child are treated as a priority.

Deputy Minister KAVETUNA says in most cases, a parent with the financial means to afford legal fees wins custodial rights.

Information and Communication Technology Deputy Minister STANLEY SIMATAA says there is need for the Public Service Commission to make salaries of social workers attractive, for more young people to join the profession.

The NAMIBIAN Deputy Minister says improved conditions of service will help deal with the acute shortage of social workers in NAMIBIA.

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