The suppression of intercountry adoption as a form of child trafficking

Abstract

The main purpose of intercountry adoption (ICA) is to provide permanent care for children across borders. Abuses, which may lead to child trafficking, during or before such procedure do, take place. Child Trafficking is a form of child abuse. It is not only a serious offence and a form of organised crime but also a gross violation of fundamental human rights. The vulnerability of children calls for special attention to address the various forms in which trafficking presents itself. In order to protect and combat such illegal activities, States need to transform the legal frameworks into practice otherwise there will not be any legal value. Monitoring current situations where intercountry adoption may lead to child trafficking is essential in order to strengthen the State's procedural basis. Consequently, lack of data collection, weak monitoring and evaluation, and weak co-ordination amongst States and authorities bring with it lack of implementation and enforcement of legal frameworks. Therefore, by focusing on the weak points in ICA procedures and catering for such circumstances will ameliorate the situation and achieve maximum results while saving vulnerable lives. Many and major challenges still persist. Therefore, authorities and bodies need to fight against these challanges by implementing and developing effective legal measures which will have a worldwide impact. International intervention is required since the community at large has an interest to combat and save the lives of children who end up victims of trafficking whilst hoping for a better tomorrow. Children are the future of tomorrow: we need to respect and value each child and have a community where children are nurtured by loving families.