tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2993038200998852842012-01-30T05:01:44.799+01:00The untold story of the Romanian 'orphans' - Roelie PostRoelienoreply@blogger.comBlogger1181100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-6753176411836273062010-07-17T00:18:00.001+02:002010-10-14T18:31:19.451+02:00

Roelienoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-42912404946041643302010-06-06T11:16:00.007+02:002010-06-07T13:08:56.870+02:00

Today the Sunday Times reported on the work of ACT (Against Child Trafficking), being to assist parents of missing children. Children missing because they were adopted by foreigners, in exchange for money. Some of these children were kidnapped directly from their parents. Nagarani's son, for example, was kidnapped during the night - just as Madeleine McCann.Madeleine McCann fund raised £2 million

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-87563643447815654452010-05-15T14:53:00.004+02:002010-05-15T15:18:11.387+02:00

Informal translation of summary: Sonntaz Exportgut KindEXPORT COMMODITY CHILDFULL ARTICLE (not yet online) HOPE This Ethiopian Family has given a son to Germany. The father hoped that it would be better off there. That’s why he lied. Adoption agencies and orphanages claim such lies – at the intercountry adoption market. ONE IS MISSING(summary)Export commodity child A family in Ethiopia has many

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-66702531383101967782010-05-08T15:36:00.002+02:002010-05-08T15:45:22.120+02:00

Unofficial translation - via Fabriquée en CoréeFrance: Over 80 adopted children abandoned each year Published in France-Soir, Nicole Korchia, May 3, 2010. The figures are secret and taboo in France: officially 2% of adoptions are doomed to fail in France. But unofficially, the specialists speak bluntly of one out of ten ... Our investigation. A terrible fact ... The failures of the adoption, is

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-3165227244287589972010-04-30T13:01:00.002+02:002010-04-30T13:19:43.199+02:00

Amidst the pressure to re-open Romanian adoption, I of course followed the situation of Artyom Savelyev, the Russian adoptee who was ‘returned to sender’ by his US adoptive mother. This case has brought the controversial issue of intercountry adoption from Russia back into the international news. The possibility that Russia might stop exporting children has spread panic in the adoption industry.

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-84675455538545002012010-04-22T19:11:00.006+02:002010-04-22T21:19:04.190+02:00

Romanian President Traian Basescu said Thursday in Brussels that the country’s law on adoptions will not change, “at least” not during his term, regardless of the lobby in favor of change made “in Brussels and elsewhere.”A petition for the reopening of international adoptions in Romania was dismissed on March 23 on the request of Romanian MEP Victor Bostinaru, unanimously backed by the European

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-77990234628763737392010-04-12T15:06:00.001+02:002010-04-12T15:08:39.460+02:00

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-44642485567302188502010-01-24T22:19:00.002+01:002010-01-24T22:23:02.422+01:00

In the midst of adoptions? That's rather vague. Finalised adoptions, Court Decision. That would be clearer: Lassegue told the German Press Agency dpa that the government has put a halt to new adoptions. Only those children who were already in the midst of adoptions would be allowed to leave. There have been increasing reports from the UN and elsewhere over trafficking in the disaster's smallest

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-84926539521255258372010-01-16T16:12:00.002+01:002010-01-16T16:21:57.753+01:00

Instead of airlifting the 56 Haitian children out of the country, it would be advisable to find back their parents and to help them reunite if that's what they want. That would be a true humanitarian act - and a great blessing in these tragic days. Because, in many cases the children have parents who with a little bit of help will be able to care for their children themselves. And not always they

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-35447219372526711402009-12-11T10:46:00.002+01:002009-12-11T10:58:10.355+01:00

Adoption Scam? I would rather call it Adoption Crime. And as long as such crimes go unpunished, and the biggest risk is losing the adoption licence, these crimes will continue over and over again. Focus on Children scam: No jail time in adoption-fraud caseIn a plea deal, four defendants get probation and are banned for life from the business.CBS News will present, "The Lost Children," a "48 Hours

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-7843742192885972812009-11-24T19:09:00.002+01:002009-11-24T19:17:14.464+01:00

The Romanian newspaper Curentul today published an article and video about alleged child trafficking for adoption by Klaus Werner Iohannis, who is a candidate to become Romania's new Prime Minister. ... The Iliuţ family tragedy begins in the years 1990-1991, when, taking advantage of early loss of parents of three children, appears on the line school inspector Klaus Werner Iohannis. He, together

Roelienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-48114454174059702132009-11-23T18:06:00.004+01:002009-11-23T18:18:34.679+01:00

Mirah Riben about how the US treats its children: Suffer the Children: The Exploitation of America’s Most Vulnerableby Mirah Riben / November 23rd, 2009“Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.Send these, the homeless, tempest—tost to me,”And we will send you ours?Full text HERE

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-67283402436931431992009-11-22T13:32:00.002+01:002009-11-22T13:54:13.140+01:00

One by one, mothers who saw their children disappear for intercountry adoption are speaking out. This time a mother from Madagascar, whose child is somewhere in Europe. Yesterday I read the following statement: Should original mothers on this planet ever stand up en masse and demand their children back, there will be a revolution the likes of which this planet has never seen.Let's spread the word

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-60367237151445212672009-11-06T11:14:00.003+01:002009-11-06T12:56:47.309+01:00

I strongly recommend Jane Trenka's article What does “Gotcha” mean?, in which she gives her mother a voice.It is no longer a secret that intercountry adoption, in the past and present, is not about 'saving orphans', but about taking children from vulnerable families.The abuses of the Korean adoption system, spelled out in THIS ARTICLE are not typical for South Korea. They can be found in most if

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-66750409492811260442009-10-26T11:54:00.004+01:002009-10-26T13:24:37.668+01:00

Surfing the Internet to look more into the background of the European Convention "Challenges in Adoption Procedures in Europe: Ensuring the Best Interests of the Child", this is what I found.The Nordic Adoption Council was careless enough to give us a look behind the curtains. Leaving their Members only site open, they gave us a look into their desperation to GET CHILDREN.Children from other

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-51510711082535855762009-10-16T17:05:00.003+02:002009-10-16T17:16:21.417+02:00

Yesterday the Romanian Secretary of State for Adoptions, Bogdan Panait, handed in a proposal to re-open intercountry adoption. Bad news for the Adoption Lobby, because today the Romanian Prime Minister announced NOT to change the adoption law.Full article HERECONGRATS ROMANIA

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-45014739553616306352009-10-15T21:47:00.005+02:002009-10-15T22:04:01.494+02:00

French adoptions from the Reunion: a must see:HARVESTING CHILDREN

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-20441304628399834292009-09-29T12:53:00.004+02:002009-09-29T13:14:44.560+02:00

With courtesy to ABANDON & ADOPTION where the full text can be read in French.ADOPTION, THE PRACTICE OF "ENVELOPES" DIVISESThe French adoptive families are increasingly faced with requestf for "gifts" to the adoption countries. The Associationsaffected by this are divided on the practice. The President of the French Adoption Agency, Yves Nicolin, outraged Enfance et Famille d’Adoption, the main

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-15214199247514160402009-09-19T20:09:00.003+02:002009-09-19T20:15:10.026+02:00

Some Chinese parents say their babies were stolen for adoptionIn some rural areas, instead of levying fines for violations of China's child policies, greedy officials took babies, which would each fetch $3,000 om adoptions.By Barbara DemickSeptember 19, 2009 reporting from Tianxi, China - The man from family planning liked to prowl around the mountaintop village, looking for diapers on

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-24470021789861775112009-09-18T08:16:00.003+02:002009-09-18T08:38:22.276+02:00

Netwerk TV yesterday evenening announced the suspension of adoptions from Ethiopia: The biggest adoption agency from the Netherlands, Wereldkinderen, stops per immediately with adoption procedures from Ethiopia because of a new adoption scandal. From research done by the organisation it appears that the background information of the adopted children is not always in line with the information in

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-90247303095047554952009-09-02T14:49:00.007+02:002009-09-02T19:27:31.833+02:00

Today I am guest blogger of my mother's blog. My name is Anne-Catherine and I am seventeen years old. I gave up breakfast and lunch for two days's, not three, as we are on holiday in lovely Greece with a large group of friends and I don't want to lose my good mood! I do have dinner as we go out to restaurants every night, but it does not help to eat a whole lot as I only get more hungry the next

Roelienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-80782929159659064742009-09-01T07:31:00.012+02:002009-09-01T10:01:19.752+02:00

Today I join the INTERNATIONAL HUNGER STRIKE that was called to support three mothers in Guatemala in getting back their stolen daughters. These daughters were adopted by US families.In joining this international hunger strike I will fast for three days in the hope that it might help forcing the US side to take appropriate action: to give back these daughters to their mothers.I am writing these

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-11724421100142277632009-07-20T18:57:00.002+02:002009-07-20T19:00:58.125+02:00

TRACK

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-57243682588117534192009-06-26T09:45:00.002+02:002009-06-26T10:41:18.021+02:00

This story about Guatemala is sad example of the result of the demand-driven adoption market. Lawyers, doctors, facilitators bend over backwards to get children for adoption. That's not just the case in Guatemala, read what Yuri Pavlenko, Ukranian Minister for Family, Youth and Sport, has to say about this: Full text HERE: ... But most of the trouble has been caused by middlemen, who allegedly

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-52603800406218695512009-06-24T17:30:00.003+02:002009-06-24T17:35:50.134+02:00

With Courtesy to the Humanist, Published in the May/June 2009 HumanistFor the full article click HERENo More Angels For YouVietnam is currently experiencing social and economic growing pains similar to those South Korea went through during the 1970s and 80s. Korean children were the hot commodity in international adoption up until many adult Korean adoptees put the South Korean government’s feet

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-89507661127162014472009-06-21T09:42:00.003+02:002009-06-21T10:17:56.223+02:00

Mercy's world of MadgenessEXCLUSIVE by Nick Owens 21/06/2009Tot flown 6,000 miles from home to meet new mum Madonna and family in London.. and is whisked straight to a Kabbalah meetingLittle Mercy James spent 12 hours flying 6,000 miles to start her new life with adoptive mum Madonna yesterday… then was driven straight to a Kabbalah meeting.Under cover of darkness in Malawi on Friday the

Roelienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-71969922326430514742009-06-16T11:02:00.001+02:002009-06-16T11:05:26.446+02:00

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-8214501415435390652009-06-14T17:22:00.005+02:002009-06-16T10:58:16.417+02:00

It's a done deal: after pledging 12 million dollar to Malawi, the Malawian Supreme Court allowed Madonna to adopt Mercy James. The Guardian's below article is worth reading:Madonna, Mercy and Malawi: her fight to adopt a second African childThree years ago a storm of protest blew up when Madonna adopted David Banda from a Malawian orphanage. Today the country's highest court is due to decide

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-76264330803703799442009-05-19T18:19:00.004+02:002009-05-19T18:30:08.116+02:00

I gladly pass on this call to action: Call To ActionGovernment Of New Brunswick, Canada Bill 60 - An Act to Amend the Family Services Act [Safe Haven Bill]The new proposed safe haven bill is a dangerous leap in the wrong direction for Canada’s child welfare system and most importantly for the rights of the child. At a time when the emphasis of global recognition is directed towards placing more

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-65148123790259166312009-04-05T15:17:00.004+02:002009-05-19T18:29:31.585+02:00

I strongly recommend the following article to anyone interested in children's rights and intercountry adoption. It analyses in an excellent way why Bulgaria should learn from Malawi: that it is the State's obligation to look after children, and not to expatriate them. Madonna’s failed adoption attempt shows Bulgaria has a lot to learn from Malawi about upholding children’s rightsIn 2009 - two

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-64101782613276285462009-04-03T12:21:00.004+02:002009-04-03T12:42:43.733+02:00

Congratulations for the Malawian judge who understood the risks and long term effects of celebrity adoptions. NO MERCY FOR MADGEBy VIRGINIA WHEELER Published: TodayPOP queen MADONNA was "furious" today after a judge in Malawi sensationally denied her bid to adopt little MERCY. Madonna was told she could not take the tot back with her to the US because the singer was not a permanent resident of

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-71018878242492496802009-03-24T12:08:00.003+01:002009-03-24T12:19:55.838+01:00

Embedded video from CNN Video

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-16343516794091541432009-03-23T13:42:00.004+01:002009-03-29T12:52:55.566+02:00

Last week Canadian CBC gave a voice to Canadian adoptive parent's concern about their Ethiopian children. Contrary to what was mentioned on the adoption papers, CBC documented that the children were no orphans.Full article HERE The (French) videos can be watched HEREThe Solidarity Committee for Ethiopian Political Prisoners is coming to the rescue of Ethopia's children. Today the below statement

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-26985184701942309372009-03-20T23:48:00.002+01:002009-03-20T23:53:01.301+01:00

Twenty years ago, a Dutch Member of Parliament drafted a report on the sale of children. Not much changed since then... Anyone out there having the full report?With courtesy to PPLChildren of the World for Sale - Where end of the line is for somePETER SPINKSTHE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLEDecember 16, 1987Amsterdam - Along the seamy side streets of the Zeedijk, Amsterdam's notorious red-light district

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-22983188749104392692009-03-09T09:38:00.005+01:002009-03-09T09:49:44.533+01:00

Another Indian family desperately looking for their child. This time Mother Jones traced the child in the United States: Meet the Parents: The Dark Side of Overseas Adoption A Midwestern kid's family believes his birth parents put him up for adoption. An Indian couple claim he was kidnapped from them and sold. Who's right?—By Scott Carney—Photo: Scott CarneyMarch/April 2009After hours hunched

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-55089484181112343442009-03-08T13:37:00.002+01:002009-03-08T13:42:56.465+01:00

Informal translation from Spanish: EL PAISNEPALESE PARENTS RECLAIM THEIR ADOPTED CHILDREN IN SPAIN NGOs denounce irregularities in the delivery of children with local families ANA ROJAS GABRIELA - New Delhi - 03/03/2009 On the death of her husband, Nirmala Thapa, Nepalese of 35 years, was forced to surrender her three youngest children to a juvenile center. Offering them care and educate them

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-88732665096096930912009-03-01T22:10:00.005+01:002009-03-01T22:28:42.752+01:00

Spain, one of the main importers of foreign children nowadays, is now confronted with its past when children were unjustifiedly taken from their parents. It took 60 years...How long will it take China, India, Guatamala, Vietnam and many other countries, like Romania, until they will investigate why children were sold for adoption. Often the children concerned were from (disliked) minorities.Spain

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-38361652641040435962009-02-28T13:21:00.004+01:002009-02-28T13:35:30.379+01:00

The US adoption agency Focus on Children misled Samoan families, and had their children adopted for the price of 13.000 US dollars each. Is that a crime? Is that child trafficking? Not so, according the the US judge who had mercy and gave no prison time:Prosecutors accused the five of conspiring to arrange adoptions that violated U.S. immigration laws, and alleged the scheme included lying to

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-60711929125131748622009-02-24T14:44:00.003+01:002009-02-24T14:57:25.784+01:00

Hearing the disturbing news of children kidnapped for adoption, Australian Julia Rollings followed her heart and traced her adopted children's parents in India. And not only that. She connected both families. Let's hope more families follow her example.Stolen and SoldBroadcast: 24/02/2009Reporter: Sally Sara Sabila and Akil with their birth mother SunamaView promo What would you do if you

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-496420002202218412009-02-12T18:40:00.001+01:002009-02-12T18:47:28.030+01:00

With courtesy to United Adoptees International: NEW PAPER PUBLISHED: Samford University Cumberland School of LawINSIDE STORY OF AN ADOPTION SCANDAL- CUMBERLAND LAW REVIEW - Vol. 39:1 -BY ARUN DOHLE - Aachen - Germany -IntroductionIn historical terms, intercountry adoptions from India havehad a short run. Within thirty years of its inception, murky scandals of child kidnapping, falsifying

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-52879757471250576892009-01-25T10:40:00.005+01:002009-01-25T11:05:31.833+01:00

Over the last years Ethiopia has become one of the biggest sending countries. This is mainly the result of the closure of Romania, Guatemala, Cambodia and others that closed their doors due to corruption.Sadly, but understandably as it is inherent to today's adoption system, Ethopia seems to encounter the same problem: fake documents, children leave the country that are no 'orphans'. But worst of

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-50985948485593933902008-12-11T22:27:00.001+01:002008-12-11T22:29:28.938+01:00

Roelie Post allows the reader a unique insiders view regarding the politics of international adoption. It was an eye-opening account that not many are willing to share to the outside world. In her experience with Romania’s orphan care and international adoption program, Ms. Post begins her journey as many do (innocent) and as her knowledge about the politics behind international adoption grows--

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-54299084347736186622008-11-29T14:42:00.005+01:002008-11-30T22:37:50.547+01:00

The American Way? Not only, Europeans adopt just as many children, and are promissed children in exchange for money (expenses).But then thanks to the Hague Convention adoptions are now well regulated, no? That's unfortunately one of the lies we love. The Hague Convention has replaced the traditional baby merchants by accredited adoption agencies. And anyway, most of the children still get adopted

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-33084429877141385412008-11-27T23:18:00.002+01:002008-11-27T23:23:37.183+01:00

The Dutch court ruled today. Baby J. will be placed in the Dutch care system until further investigation. Bought by a Dutch couple, I would say the right place for this child would be in the Belgian care system. And it should be up to the Belgian Court to decide on her future. TO be continued...Dutch court says Internet baby to be taken into careFri Nov 28, 2008 1:19am ISTAMSTERDAM (Reuters) - A

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-68398239705617253222008-11-25T14:20:00.003+01:002008-11-25T14:38:34.243+01:00

The Netherlands are caught by another case of 'illegal adoption' where a Dutch couple procured a Belgian child. Baby J. was offered for sale on the Internet and bought by a Dutch couple. Yesterday night Netwerk broadcasted a documentary in which the Dutch couple was interviewed. According to them both the Belgian Hospital and the Dutch Youth Care Department were informed about the case. However,

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-78351062712271616512008-11-20T09:10:00.002+01:002008-11-20T09:13:29.850+01:00

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-91533068797851914462008-11-18T11:22:00.004+01:002008-11-18T16:22:43.270+01:00

Australia's first National Adoption Awareness Week has led to some interesting debates. Orphan Angels are lobbying to increase the number of intercountry adoptions for Australian families. Not an easy task in current times, where intercountry adoptions are worldwide in a downward spiral. Today's AP article shows how deep the adoption industry in in troubleForeign adoptions by Americans drop

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-21146078853425178602008-11-11T11:45:00.004+01:002008-11-11T13:46:24.206+01:00

Informal translation of yesterday's article in Aftonbladet.Adoption may be child trafficking 12 foreign adoptees: Western needs should not allow human trafficking. We support the Social Ministry's decision not to extend adoption agreement with Vietnam. We want to protest against the Western-centric perspective that dominates the international adoption business, and defend our and all other

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-31908681060825953692008-11-07T21:01:00.004+01:002008-11-08T01:03:51.966+01:00

Justitiele Verkenning (Judicial Explorations) is published eight times per year by the Research and Documentation Centre of the Dutch Ministry of Justice. The central theme of this month's issue is: ADOPTION UNDER FIRE.Articles:Adoption and prosperity; an analysis of the demand and supply of adoptive children, B.M.J. SlotThe perverse effects of the Hague Adoption Convention, R. PostThe

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-48039114315780991952008-10-28T09:52:00.004+01:002008-10-28T09:59:27.508+01:00

There are people who, after reading my book, are left puzzled... By the intrigues, by the pressure, by all that surrounds intercountry adoptions. To those interested in learning more about the issue I sincerely recommend Mirah Riben's book 'THE STORK MARKET':Adoption Today Magazine Review by Denise Roeslle Adoption Today Oct/Nov 2008(pages 58-59).“The Stork Market: America’s multi-billion dollar

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-48453468051035440852008-10-27T17:37:00.003+01:002008-10-27T17:48:02.413+01:00

Some days ago Secretary of State Rama Yade announced further details of the French adoption reform: a new Central Authority will be set up in spring 2009. headed by Ambassador Monchau. Minister of Foreign Affairs Kouchner will make available 3 million euros for project aid and assistance to adoption agencies. For those not mastering the French language, here an informal english translation of Ms.

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-90292466986819079272008-10-21T10:30:00.003+02:002008-10-27T18:35:08.457+01:00

It is not without reason that my book subtitles the untold story of the Romanian 'orphans' - The children in Romanian children's homes were no orphans. Slowly the world starts acknowledging where the orphan myth is leading to: to demand for adoptable children.The US and Unicef definition of 'orphans' is that children with one parent are also considered to be 'orphans'. Unicef recently

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-22373282935891383512008-09-09T16:48:00.005+02:002008-10-27T17:48:39.906+01:00

Tonight NETWERK reported again on Chinese adoptions on Dutch TV. Informal translation of Netwerk Chinese children's homes pay money to finders who bring children to those homes This is evident from an investigation of the Ministry of Justice in response to a Network documentary on adoptions from China. According to China it are "symbolic amounts." Network got their hands on the content of a draft

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-51696286922048355102008-08-29T22:34:00.000+02:002008-08-29T22:36:40.654+02:00

'Stolen' kids traced to Dutch orphanage 8/28/2008 6:47:40 PM Dekla - mother of Lisa (18) and Kapil (17) The case of stolen children sold to foster parents abroad by a child adoption agency Malaysian Social Services is getting murkier. The parents of two children allegedly 'sold' to foster parents in Holland have revealed to TIMES NOW that they had received a letter after 12 years from their

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-37809008291280597952008-08-28T14:03:00.004+02:002008-08-28T14:20:44.105+02:00

Translated from Le Figaro28.08.2008 Facilitated AdoptionClemence Fournier, 25, is the first Madame Adoption in Cambodia in view of the simplification of procedures for foreign adoption. From the first quarter of 2009 other young volunteers will join the "Peace Corps" of the French and will be placed in the French embassies in some twenty countries. Their missions? Supporting adoptive families in

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-15690601879404129832008-08-27T17:32:00.007+02:002008-08-28T14:29:39.140+02:00

ADOPTION: France wants to address its lagging behindUnofficial translation from Le FigaroThanks to the funding of humanitarian projects, the USA, but also Italy and Spain, host many more children from abroadParis prepares itself to copy their more efficient methods. Everyone starts doing it. In respect of Intercountry Adoption, competition is rife among the receiving countries in recent years.

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-66117275049232175972008-08-24T09:40:00.009+02:002008-08-24T23:37:47.109+02:00

I am still somewhat puzzled by the French Peace Corps, young volunteers who will have as mission to find adoptable children for French families. The first targetted country is Cambodia.Rereading the Colombani report of March this year, I noticed the following: [translated from French]In Cambodia, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has explained the [French] mission early January 2008,

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-63687626758219087702008-08-24T09:40:00.008+02:002008-08-24T23:40:00.430+02:00

With courtesy to Zench, who linked to this video in his comment

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-41241892144181749972008-08-24T09:40:00.003+02:002008-08-24T23:40:00.430+02:00

Roelienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-81158017539348710822008-08-22T10:07:00.003+02:002008-08-24T23:40:00.431+02:00

Since beginning of last year there is much debate about intercountry adoption in The Netherlands. It started with the news of a stolen, kidnapped Indian child who allegedly had been adopted by Dutch citizens. Today, Australia was hit by similar news. It is worthwhile reading the full article that explains how this child trafficking took place: TIME MAGAZINEStolen ChildrenThursday, Aug. 21, 2008

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-9071943825119935052008-08-20T20:19:00.002+02:002008-08-24T23:37:47.109+02:00

The below translated article explains the French initiative to get a bigger share of the international adoption market. As stated, this policy goal was set by the previous French government, in 2004, the same year it became clear that Romania´s door would formally remain closed, and Bulgaria informally slowed down. Informal translation from :Le PointPublished on 31/07/2008 No. 1872 Le Point

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-70913613573358078322008-08-16T17:42:00.007+02:002008-08-24T23:39:20.159+02:00

A number of adult adoptees, adopted from South Korea, has organised themselves in order to call for Truth and Reconciliation for the Adoption Community of Korea (TRACK). Their website is worth visiting and a participation form can be downloaded; the below video can be seen there too:

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-81872932789096338312008-08-06T14:33:00.003+02:002008-08-24T23:35:52.670+02:00

Thanks to Abandon & Adoption it is easy to follow what is happening on the French adoption front. Going through the many comments on the French initiative to send in the troops of young volunteers to find adoptable children for French couples, Zoe's Ark re-appeared. Who doesn't remember the French humanitarians who tried to save 100 'orphans'who appeared not to be orphans after all. This link is

Roelienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-86311593167135603042008-08-02T13:08:00.005+02:002008-08-24T23:38:11.613+02:00

I know I announced updates on the French/Italian call for European Adoptions... and it is still to come. In the mean time it is worth reading the excellent blogposting of someone who well understood what I described in my book, and, more importantly, he even better understood the European Adoptions agenda. The Romanian battlefield for children By Niels In many of the discussions I follow on

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-1622399290690544932008-06-27T22:11:00.004+02:002008-08-24T23:38:11.613+02:00

France will have the EU Presidency for the second half of 2008. In their desperate desire for adoptive children, the French are likely move this issue up to the European agenda. One of their motives is the stoppage of Romanian adoptions. Stay tuned - in the next days the French agenda will be unveiled right here. Part of this agenda is 'European Adoptions' as announced at the last page of '

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-69470736237408709552008-06-17T22:01:00.006+02:002008-06-17T22:57:56.439+02:00

Intercountry adoption has become a full-fledged market, so much is acknowledged by most parties. And a competive marketMy book outlined the market of Romanian children. And at the time, around 2001, almost everyone agreed that a market, in Romania's case based on points gained in return for money or project aid, was not desirable. For details see Romania-For Export Only. That has changed.

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-63494855189228927662008-06-12T16:36:00.005+02:002008-06-17T22:49:37.187+02:00

Well these days adoption is a hot thing,you can get a child for nearly nothing. You take them home to a nanny, buy off ur guilt with toys and candy.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dK26ojnNtW4

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-33806374512803296962008-06-11T15:47:00.003+02:002008-06-17T22:49:37.187+02:00

End March Jean-Pierre Colombani, former Director of the French newspaper 'Le Monde' and adoptive father, handed his report on adoption to President Sarkozy. The latter had asked him to explore how more children could be found for the French families waiting to adopt. After all, the French target set by the former French government was to double adoptions from 4.000 to 8.000. I reported on this

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-59304071245475608522008-05-27T13:09:00.003+02:002008-06-01T16:07:38.890+02:00

The Dutch couple who got themselves involved in a case of child trafficking of a two-week old baby in August 2007 got arrested again. This time by the Dutch authorities. The two had been in prison in Sri Lanka until October 2008, when they were released on bail. February this year they arrived back in The Netherlands. Their role as witness in the courtcase against the Sri Lankans accused of the

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-39307810594738302182008-04-25T18:41:00.007+02:002008-08-24T23:38:42.592+02:00

The US have investigated the Vietnamese adoption system. The outcome is devastating, but to me no surprise. I recognised much of the Romanian 'orphans', created 'For Export Only'. Since Vietnam and the US sigened a Memorandum of Understanding in 2005 to re-open adoptions (suspended since 2002 because of corruption), the number of adoptable 'oprhans had exploded. Now why was that?- obligatory

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-40984026055322477622008-04-16T15:29:00.004+02:002008-04-16T16:07:51.516+02:00

The Center for Adoption Policy reports that for the last ten years, Intercountry Adoption has appealed to many U.S families because of its relative reliability, ease and lower costs. However the closing or constriction of almost every international adoption program, including Guatemala, China, Ukraine and Russia, has left American families disillusioned with if not disbarred from participating in

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-47955827296259654412008-04-07T01:33:00.004+02:002008-04-16T16:06:50.657+02:00

But will it make a difference?All adoption agencies were formally screened in order to get a Hague accreditation. It was mainly a peer-review. Some agencies did not make it, but does that really matter? Perhaps not, as some US agencies have a habit of umbrella-ing, meaning they use other agency's accreditation for their own clients. Read all about it here:Janus under the Umbrella

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-49181929888327047972008-03-22T07:32:00.002+01:002008-04-16T16:06:50.658+02:00

Today Brian Stuy explains 'What the "Donation" Really Is' .I agree with his conclusion that to increase the fee/donation with 2,000 dollars will only add fuel to the baby-buying problem. Because, think of it, where would directors of orphanages otherwise find the 350 dollars to pay for the purchasing children, as was recently uncovered by the Dutch TV programme Netwerk.What is interesting is

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-54983713818280799162008-03-13T09:03:00.003+01:002008-04-16T16:06:50.658+02:00

Courtesy to http://abandon-adoption.hautetfort.com Résumé Trouw - 11 mars 2008Les Pays-Bas obtiennent des enfants adoptés d'un foyer chinois par des enfants qui sont pris à leurs parents. Les enfants sont retirés à leurs parents suite à la politique chinoise de l'enfant unique. Selon le journaliste d'investigation Deng Fei, ces enfants sont tombés dans les chaînes de l'adoption. Netwerk a

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-17510090870317876532008-03-12T22:44:00.003+01:002008-03-12T22:58:10.757+01:00

This is an extract of the programme, in Dutch. First see the parents and the girl whose twinsister was taken away by Chinese authorites because of the one-child-policy, and adopted abroad. Then the Director of Wereldkinderen (Children of the World) who considers it not impossible these children ended up in the Netherlands; she asks for international investigations. Professor Hoksbergen is of the

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-36851452687873442422008-03-12T18:09:00.002+01:002008-03-12T22:58:10.759+01:00

The below videos are from the website of NetwerkBrian Stuy - researcher:And William Duncan - Hague Convention

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-30617339090530538302008-03-11T22:30:00.006+01:002008-09-09T16:50:31.666+02:00

The Dutch TV programme Netwerk broadcasted tonight their shocking documentary on Chinese adoptions. It showed the families of children taken by the authorities, it unveiled that children were taken by the authorities and sent abroad. And that orphanages pay for children delivered to the orphanages. Some of the children are said to have ended up in the Netherlands. But this scandal effects other

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-44657992328430149552008-03-11T12:06:00.006+01:002008-03-12T22:58:10.761+01:00

This morning I read the Testimony of Acting Assistant Secretary for Consular AffairsCatherine M. Barry, which she gave on June 8, 2006 during a Hearing in the US Senate on Asian adoptions. Here a quote:'In another important and extremely positive development, the People’s Republic of China – not only the world’s most populous nation but also the largest country of origin of children adopted by

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-12154914699328187472008-03-05T10:33:00.005+01:002008-03-12T22:58:10.762+01:00

Yesterday I left the below comment on James Marsh' Blog. As I received many supporting e-mails as reaction, I'd decided to publishe this comment here too:'Quite a story.I had my own bad experience with Deb Schneumann and Lynn Wetterberg when they were so fiercefully lobbying to keep Romania open. And then to try and reopen it. Nothing was too much. Romania was not allowed to move on, to develop.

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-55778485157373057862008-03-03T18:12:00.005+01:002008-03-12T22:58:10.765+01:00

Mid February the UN held their first Conference on the trafficking of human beings. Trafficking for sexual or labour exploitation, and for adoption, false marriage and human organ donation is believed to be the third largest illegal trade in the world after drugs and arms smuggling.It was longtime denied that trafficking for organs happened for real, and especially a possible link with

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-59424679855160652092008-03-03T13:22:00.003+01:002008-03-03T14:43:08.894+01:00

The Adoption Policy Center, the Joint Council on International Social Services and Focus on Adoption have no news to bring.The silence is noteworthy.Every day I visit heir website, in order to keep up to date.But PPL has taken over their role - and they are a true watchdog:The list is out - the Hague accreditations of the US State DepartmentSun, 2008-03-02 17:45 — NielsFriday 29 February 2008 the

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-90584395433866984892008-02-29T08:09:00.006+01:002008-03-04T10:09:52.319+01:00

It is true that my book holds so much information that, even for me, at times I could not see the wood for the trees.But with the help of others, the players' backgrounds become clearer now.Here a quote from my book - 30 March 1999'I spent three days searching the Internet about intercountry adoptions and found an incredible number of sites, mostly of US-based adoption foundations often with

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-58075690277848727782008-02-22T19:49:00.004+01:002008-02-22T20:03:33.433+01:00

At the bottom of this commentary on the Joint Declaration on intercountry adoptions you can download the full press conference audio file:Joint declaration on intercountry adoptionFri, 2008-02-22 18:02 — NielsLast night I listened to the attached audio file, a press conference held by Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, Claire Gibault and Francois de Combret. Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, I don't know much about

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-62578005534055884342008-02-20T09:40:00.007+01:002008-02-24T10:39:28.383+01:00

When I started writing 'Romania-For Export Only' I did not want to write a book about Francois de Combret. When the book was written, I saw I had. Because all over the years, it was Francois de Combret pushing for intercountry adoptions from Romania.Since 1990 De Combret was pushing the European Union and the Council of Europe to invest in improving the lot of the Romanian 'orphans'. Millions and

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-64951720843273994312008-02-19T19:26:00.005+01:002008-02-19T22:16:47.422+01:00

James Marsh’s article Focus on Adoption - a Rogues Gallery held some names which brought back bad memories. Names of those who were and probably still are pressuring Romania to re-open adoptions.So, I went through my book and had a closer look at the US adoption agency's lobby. It is just a small part of all that happened, but below a summary of the most important events.In 2004 it became clear

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-73897983020130829622008-02-19T00:00:00.005+01:002008-02-19T17:28:46.610+01:00

Those who read the book know it ends with a desperate attempt by some members of the European Parliament to re-open Romanian adoption - going as far as proposing European Adoptions: A european market for children.MEPs Jean-Marie Cavada and Claire Gibault (who were alerted to this issue by Francois de Combret) had their way, as the European Parliament adopted a Resolution on European Adoptions and

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-16456630839259121652008-02-17T18:07:00.005+01:002008-11-17T18:05:05.039+01:00

James R. Marsh on his website ChildLaw is doing a brilliant job in exposing some of the worst adoption scandals: adoptions by pedophiles.Masha Allan was adopted from Russia by a pedophile named Matthew Mancuso.Apart from Masha Allan, there is the case of young Daniel, adopted in 2001 from Romania at the age of four by William Peckenpaugh (page 242 of my book). Peckenpaugh is serving a 30 years

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-21431115767607900672008-02-17T12:25:00.004+01:002008-02-19T17:31:02.668+01:00

After Romania closed its doors to intercountry adoptions, the adoption business packed their suitcases and moved to Guatemala, Vietnam, Ukraine etc. Most recently the market is moving to Africa. Foreign adoption agencies are setting up children homes by the minute and thousands of children are flown out. Ethiopia is the saddest example.But Africa is striking back. Congo, Zambia, Liberia closed

Roelienoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-90600180484583697942008-02-15T16:42:00.002+01:002008-02-15T16:49:36.498+01:00

United Adoptees International is an organisation run and maneged by adoptees. Foremost in the Netherlands but with great help and support from all kind of adoptees and organisations worldwide.The UAI want to initiate a worldwide dialogue whereby adoption, the position of adoptees and children rights are the center point of developing social, political and cultural policies.The UAI wants to

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-64804196577704921742008-02-13T11:52:00.002+01:002008-08-24T23:40:48.634+02:00

Source: Adoptie Trefpunt’'Marie Claire’ - March 2008 - Anneke Bots.'India demands stolen adopted child back from the Netherlands'. 'Dutch couple in prison in Sri Lanka because of illegal adoption'. There are scandals all over and criticism on intercountry adoption – yes, also on those of Madonna and Angelina – grows. What is going on?He lives since seven year with his adoptive parents in the

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-65945208825658398132008-02-05T20:56:00.000+01:002008-02-05T23:37:51.847+01:00

CNN recently broadcasted the documentary Romanian Sex Trade made by Chris Rogers (ITV). Towards the end of my book, in 2006, one can read how another one of Chris Rogers' documentaries on Romanian children was used by the pro-adoption activists in the European Parliament, in his own presence.Just before that, Chris Rogers had gone undercover to expose how Romanian mothers were willing to sell

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-56026309356025849262008-01-30T12:24:00.001+01:002008-02-19T17:32:40.924+01:00

The trafficking of babies from the Ukraine was already a fact in 1995. Ten years later, in 2005, the Council of Europe requested an investigation to clarify if babies were still declared stillborn, but in reality sold for adoption.The fact-finding mission of Ms. Ms Ruth-Gaby Vermot-Mangold brought heart-breaking stories and confirmed all suspicion.In a recent interview Ms. Vermot-Mangold gives

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-44354843872996951972008-01-11T23:01:00.000+01:002008-08-24T23:40:48.635+02:00

The Dutch Antropologist Pien Bos' PhD research project was yesterday rewarded with a CUM LAUDE. Her findings can be read in 'Once a Mother'. I was present during this event and must say I was deeply impressed.Bos researched the motivation of Indian unmarried mothers to relinquish their children for adoption.Her conclusion is that Indian women who relinquish their children are not well informed.

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-8643705397012440652008-01-06T14:42:00.000+01:002008-08-24T23:40:48.636+02:00

FromJudith Warner's Blog:‘Because what’s going on in India – where surrogacy is estimated now to be a $445-million-a-year business — feels like a step toward the kind of insane dehumanization that filled the dystopic fantasies of Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” and Margaret Atwood’s “Handmaid’s Tale.” (One “medical tourism” website, PlanetHospital.com, refers to the Indian surrogate mother as a

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-14690403926146916162008-01-03T11:06:00.000+01:002008-01-31T00:45:04.858+01:00

Orphanages Stunt Mental Growth, a Study FindsAgain the US research on Romanian 'orphans' is in the news, as end of last year it's findings were published in Science.The researchers now argue that this research was meant to promote foster care and was at the basis of Romania's child protection reform.Helas, the reality is much more complex and troubling.This reseach, by 4 American Universities and

Roelienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-73895972322548556082007-11-22T19:19:00.000+01:002008-01-06T15:56:36.895+01:00

The international adoptions lobby: an insider's perspectiveA review by Rupert Wolfe-Murray,published in VIVID Romania through international eyes, 19 November 2007Romania - for export only, the untold story of the Romanian 'orphans' by Roelie PostThere are several unusual things about Roelie Post and her important new book on international adoptions. An employee of the European Commission, between

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-49391589534092666742007-11-03T01:29:00.000+01:002008-01-31T00:39:25.112+01:00

Roelie Post talks about International AdoptionBy Ashleigh Elson02-11-2007http://www.radionetherlands.nl/thestatewerein/otherstates/tswi-071102-intnladoptionSo, what rights do children caught up in crisis situations have? We asked Roelie Post. Post worked for the European Commission on the reform of Romania's child protection for many years and is the author of Romania: For Export Only.Post wasn't

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-17069513229234400182007-10-25T16:16:00.000+02:002007-10-29T20:45:43.863+01:00

Thu, 2007-10-25 13:49 — KerryThe Import and Export of Human LifeIt amazes me how quickly Americans forget how children are brought and bought into this country.I can't, as I was born outside the states, but taken in as one of it's own because Americans wanted a baby. I am white, so they got what they wanted, through an agency that knew how to get what the demand was seeking.I was Choice Meat. I

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-69887057948048499452007-10-18T23:47:00.000+02:002007-10-29T20:37:36.550+01:00

Sunday 21 oktober, 21h50 Netherland 2And: Tuesday 23 oktober, 10.25 uur Nederland 2See the speakers of the programme See background interview Hilbrand Westra and Roelie PostOnce it seemed pure idealisme. By now adoption has become a worldwide buyer market. A market where the youngest, the healthiest and the whitest children go to those who pay most. An overstressed market above all. According to

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299303820099885284.post-91899938401785370872007-09-03T12:18:00.000+02:002007-10-29T20:38:11.396+01:00

On 5 July Radio Romania broadcasted Claudia Marcu's interview with me.As Dutch correspondent of Radio Romania, Claudia Marcu announces that since a few weeks the Dutch press is abording the question of 'orphans' and more specifically international adoption.For this discussion she considers the book 'Romania - For Export Only' the perfect didactic material.I was asked to summarise the chapters of

Roelienoreply@blogger.com0