U.S. Department of State

INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION

Update on Belarusian Adoptions, November 2, 2004

The Department of State is aware that on October 4 Belarusian President Aleksander Lukashenko asked his cabinet to look into international adoptions.  The Belarusian Government has not elaborated on what this means, but we understand from parents trying to complete adoptions in Belarus that intercountry adoptions in Belarus are on hold. The Government of Belarus has not provided information on the reason for the apparent suspension, the possible duration of the suspension, nor on possible provisions for pending adoptions. We continue to be concerned about the future of adoptions from Belarus. The U.S. Embassy is in daily contact with Belarusian Government officials to seek clarification and has raised this issue with the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The Department of State has also expressed its concerns to the Belarusian Embassy in Washington. We are monitoring this situation closely   to obtain answers to the adoption community's important questions   and will provide additional information as it becomes available.

The U.S. Government firmly believes that international adoption, rather than institutionalization, is in the best interests of children who cannot find permanent family placements in their home countries. We will continue to seek clarification from the Belarusian Government about the future of adoptions and encourage international adoption as a viable option when domestic adoption is not possible for a Belarusian child.

This site will be updated as new information becomes available.

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