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After Adoption Investigation, Silence from the Swedish Government
🇸🇪 Sweden /Elections & Politics

After Adoption Investigation, Silence from the Swedish Government

From Dagens Nyheter · (9m ago) Swedish Critical tone

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Nearly a year after the Adoptions Commission presented its proposals regarding international adoptions, the Swedish government remains silent, drawing criticism from adopted individuals.
  • The commission recommended a gradual phasing out of international adoptions and proposed that the state apologize to adopted individuals and their families, along with establishing a national resource center for adoptees.
  • Adopted individuals express frustration and suffering due to the prolonged waiting period and lack of communication from the government, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

It has been nearly eleven months since the Adoptions Commission submitted its comprehensive report, complete with conclusions and proposals concerning the international adoptions that have deeply affected so many lives in Sweden. Yet, a deafening silence emanates from the government. This lack of action and communication is not just frustrating; it is deeply disrespectful to the thousands of adopted individuals and their families who have endured immense suffering and are desperately seeking acknowledgment and resolution.

You might not win elections by apologizing to adoptees.

— Hanna JohanssonAn adopted individual from South Korea, commenting on the government's perceived inaction.

The commission, led by Anna Singer, unequivocally stated that irregularities linked to adoptions were extensive and systematic. Its recommendations—to gradually phase out international adoptions, for the state to issue a formal apology, and to establish a national resource center—are not radical demands but necessary steps towards rectifying past wrongs. Social Services Minister Camilla Waltersson Grönvall herself described the irregularities as 'terrible' and promised a process of 'transparency and dialogue.' Where is that transparency now? Where is the dialogue?

For us, it means great suffering to have to wait this long. We have pointed out that it must be faster for the government to come up with a proposal, but it is just silent.

— Johanna HäggbergChairperson of TAR (Transnational Adoptees' National Organization), expressing frustration over the delay.

For those of us who were adopted, this waiting is agonizing. Organizations like TAR (Transnational Adoptees' National Organization) and the Swedish Network of Korean Adoptees are voicing the collective pain and impatience. We are not asking for favors; we are demanding justice and recognition. The government's continued silence suggests a political calculation, perhaps a belief that addressing the needs of adopted individuals does not translate into electoral gains. However, this is a grave miscalculation. The establishment of a resource center to help adoptees find their roots and receive professional care is not a luxury; it is a fundamental necessity. We urge the government to break its silence and present a clear plan with timelines, demonstrating that they understand the urgency and gravity of this issue.

Not communicating at all is disrespectful.

— Hanna WallensteenFrom the Association of Adopted Ethiopians and Eritreans, criticizing the government's lack of communication.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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