Call for Moratorium on Intercountry Adoption in Response to the Conflict in Ukraine

During emergencies, such as conflict, it is a well-accepted principle of States’ obligations under international law that adoption is not an appropriate response for unaccompanied and separated children. Children separated from their parents during a humanitarian emergency cannot be assumed to be orphans. Until the fate of a child's parents or other close relatives can be verified, each separated child should be considered as still having living relatives or legal guardians and, therefore, is not in need of adoption.

Therefore, the Alliance and over 40 endorsing entities have issued a joint call for a moratorium on intercountry adoption in response to the conflict in Ukraine in line with the Ukrainian Government’s suspension of intercountry adoption. 

Please share this call widely and do not hesitate to reach out to the Alliance Secretariat for more information.