Norwegian investigation criticizes adoption oversight; questions legal sufficiency

A recent Norwegian investigation has sharply criticized government authorities for their inadequate oversight of international adoptions, particularly those originating from South Korea. The report concludes that the risk associated with these adoptions has been excessively high, and the legality of many cases remains uncertain. Authorities are accused of failing to take early warnings, including those from the Council of Europe, seriously. The investigation found that the system's control over the validity of adoptions was insufficient, leading to a situation where the legality of an adoption could be a matter of chance. Many individuals adopted internationally now feel their experiences are being acknowledged, while adoptive parents also face significant hardship. The report emphasizes that while the child's best interest is paramount in law and conventions, it is closely linked to the well-being of their caregivers. The findings echo similar critiques from Swedish legal experts, with one professor recommending a permanent halt to international adoptions in Sweden. The Norwegian report suggests that systemic financial motives may have contributed to the exploitation of biological parents and human trafficking, with the likelihood of significant underreporting. The author acknowledges the difficulty in judging decisions made decades ago in distant countries but questions whether legal frameworks alone can adequately address the multifaceted nature of international adoption. Drawing a parallel to diplomacy, the author notes that just as world peace cannot be solely achieved through laws, Norwegian authorities cannot fully guarantee the legality of all adoptions. The piece suggests that even the legal system has its limitations in this complex field.

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The risk associated with international adoption has been too great, and it is a matter of chance whether an adoption will be legal or not in the future.