Nepal Adoptions
When it comes to international adoptions, the Ontario government's goal is to ensure the best interests of the child are protected. This includes children adopted from Nepal.
On June 4, 2010, the ministry was advised by the federal department, Intercountry Adoption Services, that the Canadian provincial and territorial adoption authorities have implemented a moratorium on international adoptions from Nepal.
Evidence has recently come to our attention that adoptions from Nepal do not comply with the requirements, safeguards or standards of the Hague Convention on International Adoptions. This includes concerns regarding fraudulent adoption documentation, child trafficking, and improper financial gain, and is based on recent reports issued by the Secretary of the Hague Convention and UNICEF, as well as information received from Canadian immigration authorities.
There is consensus among several foreign governments that adoptions from Nepal should not proceed until a system is in place which can verify that adoption documentation is legitimate and not fraudulent.
We have been communicating on a regular basis with the federal department, Intercountry Adoption Services and through them with the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi as well as other provinces and territories to determine how best to proceed.
For further information, please call (416) 327-4742.
