South Korea's Foreign Adoption Program Investigation
South Korea's truth commission found the government responsible for a fraudulent foreign adoption program that was driven by efforts to reduce welfare costs and enabled by private agencies. The government failed to ensure proper oversight and allowed agencies to engage in illicit practices, leading to human rights violations. The commission recommended the government issue an apology, address grievances of adoptees, investigate citizenship gaps among adoptees sent to the United States, and assist those without citizenship.
Key Points
- Government responsibility for facilitating a fraudulent foreign adoption program
- Human rights violations confirmed in 56 complaints
- Recommendations for government apology and assistance to adoptees
Pros
- Comprehensive examination of South Korea's foreign adoptions
- Recommendations for government apology and actions to address adoptees' grievances
Cons
- Government complicity in facilitating a fraudulent adoption program
- Lack of understanding of systemic problems in adoptions