2024-06-18

SOFIA/BUDAPEST - When people think of adoption, they think of poor countries in the global south. However, Flanders and the Netherlands adopt children from other European countries, such as Bulgaria and Hungary. This cross-border investigation shows that Roma children in these countries are discriminated against and end up in the adoption system due to stigma, poverty and a lack of support for families.

Both Flanders and the Netherlands have carried out a screening of sending countries in order to decide from which countries adoptions will still be possible in the future. The issues of discrimination, poverty and lack of support for families in Bulgaria and Hungary were raised several times during these screenings. However, both countries decided not to end their cooperation.

Several experts find this choice unconvincing and point to a violation of the key principle that adoption can only be used as a last resort for a child. Bulgaria and Hungary are not fulfilling their obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child to support families so that the child can grow up with them. Surprisingly, these elements were not a red line for Flanders and the Netherlands in their decision.

Human rights organisation: stop adoptions immediately (Investico, 24/06/2024)

Foto: © AFP via Getty Images

Lotte Debrauwer

Lotte Debrauwer is a Belgian freelance investigative journalist.
Lotte Debrauwer

Machteld Veen

Machteld Veen is a Dutch investigative journalist who works for Investico.
Machteld Veen

Stanimir Vaglenov

Stanimir Vaglenov is a Bulgarian journalist working at Media Group Bulgaria.
Stanimir Vaglenov

Zita Szopkó

Zita Szopkó is a Hungarian journalist who works at Atlatszo.