Adoption ‘Not A Quick Fix Solution’ For Haiti

Adoption ‘Not A Quick Fix Solution’ For Haiti’s Vulnerable Children

Wellington, 20 January 2010. – Kiwis wanting to rescue unaccompanied and separated children in Haiti by adopting them should think again, says UNICEF NZ.

In the aftermath of last week’s big earthquake in Haiti, thousands of children are believed to have lost or become separated from their families.

UNICEF NZ Executive Director, Dennis McKinlay, says he has received calls from concerned New Zealanders wanting to know how they can help by adopting children in Haiti.

“While people have the best of motives and really do want to help, it’s wrong to think of vulnerable Haitian children as if they are lost puppies that can be rescued from an SPCA shelter.

“The fact is that adoption is not a quick fix solution for children in an emergency and that children who have become separated from their parents or care-givers cannot be assumed to be orphans.

“It is difficult to determine the fate of their parents or close relatives immediately following a disaster and it has to be assumed for the moment they still have close relatives who are alive.

“UNICEF is making every effort to reunite children with their families. Only if that proves impossible, and after proper screening has been carried out, should permanent alternatives like adoption be considered.

“We welcome the commitment of Haiti’s Prime Minister to personally sign all adoption authorisations, meaning that no child will be allowed to leave the country without legal adoption documentation.

“Screening for international adoption for some Haitian children had been completed prior to the earthquake. Where this is the case, there are clear benefits to speeding up their travel to their new homes.”

Mr McKinlay says that after providing for the basic essential needs of unaccompanied, separated and orphaned children, the next steps include providing a safe and protective environment, registering the children, tracing family members, and reuniting children with their family.

“UNICEF and its partners have already begun setting up ‘safe spaces’ for all unaccompanied children, including infants, who have been found on the streets of Port-au-Prince. Work has also started on registering these children and tracing family members.

“In an emergency children are particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation from unscrupulous individuals, including the risk of trafficking and sexual exploitation. Getting children into safe spaces is a key part of ensuring their protection and well-being.

“UNICEF is also coordinating with authorities on child protection and trafficking issues, including support for child protection staff based in the capital, the airport and the neighbouring Dominican Republic.

“Children have suffered enormously from this emergency and are deeply distressed by the horrors they have experienced. With the right support, however, most children will be able to begin the process of healing.”

Mr McKinlay says that the best way for Kiwi’s to support UNICEF’s work in protecting children in Haiti is by making a donation.

UNICEF emergency supplies and personnel continue to flow into Haiti. Seven planes are expected to arrive in Santa Domingo at the weekend, carrying tents and water, along with sanitation, health and nutrition supplies. Apart from taking a key co-ordination role, UNICEF is also the lead agency on water distribution. Some 200,000 litres of water are being delivered daily around the capital and 120,000 litres are going to hospitals each day.

People can donate to UNICEF NZ's Haiti Emergency Appeal on 0800-800-194 or online at www.unicef.org.nz

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