What's happened
South Korea will end international adoptions by 2029, amid UN criticism over past abuses and systemic issues. The government aims to improve domestic care and address unresolved cases of falsified records and abuse, following pressure from UN investigators and victims' advocates.
What's behind the headline?
South Korea's decision to phase out foreign adoptions reflects a significant shift in its child welfare policy, driven by systemic failures and international pressure. The government's focus on restructuring into a public framework aims to prioritize domestic solutions, but the lack of concrete measures to address past abuses and falsified records indicates ongoing systemic inertia. The UN's criticism highlights the country's failure to provide effective remedies for victims like Yooree Kim, who endured abuse after her adoption based on falsified documents. The suspension of investigations into past abuses and the absence of new reparations measures suggest that accountability remains elusive. This move will likely accelerate domestic adoption efforts but risks leaving unresolved the deep wounds of past systemic failures, potentially undermining trust in the state's commitment to human rights. The next steps will depend on legislative action to establish new truth commissions and reparations programs, which are currently stalled.
What the papers say
France 24 emphasizes the government's focus on future reforms and the phased approach to ending international adoptions, highlighting UN criticisms of systemic failures and unresolved cases. The Independent provides context on the systemic issues and victims' struggles for justice, emphasizing the systemic inertia and lack of concrete reparations. AP News summarizes the government's plans and UN criticisms but offers less detail on systemic failures. Business Insider UK diverges from the others, focusing on travel and cultural insights, which are less relevant to the core issue but provide background on South Korea's regional context.
How we got here
South Korea's adoption program expanded rapidly during the 1970s and 1980s, sending thousands of children abroad annually. Past issues include falsified records, abuse, and systemic failures to provide remedies for victims. Recent reforms have focused on reducing international placements and increasing oversight, but unresolved cases of abuse and record falsification remain a concern.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why is South Korea ending foreign adoptions by 2029?
South Korea is set to phase out foreign adoptions by 2029 as part of major reforms to its child welfare policies. This shift aims to address longstanding criticisms over adoptee rights and improve domestic support for vulnerable children. But what exactly is driving this change, and what are its implications? Below, we explore the reasons behind South Korea's decision, the criticisms of its previous policies, and what this means for children and families both locally and internationally.
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Why Are Countries Like South Korea Changing Their Adoption Policies?
Recent shifts in adoption policies around the world, especially in countries like South Korea, are raising questions about the future of child welfare and adoptee rights. These changes reflect broader social, political, and cultural considerations, as well as international criticism. If you're wondering why these reforms are happening and what they mean for children and families, read on to explore the key issues shaping global adoption policies today.
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