Never again! – Why illegal international adoptions must not happen again

1. Human rights violations are scandalous.

During the 1970s to 1990s, thousands of children were illegally placed in Switzerland – with false information, forged documents and without their parents' consent.

2. Long-term consequences.
Adopted people still suffer from loss of identity, trauma and lack of information. Birth families were robbed of their children. One mother says: «I want to hold my child in my arms one more time before I die!»

3. Assuming responsibility.
Switzerland bears responsibility. Only by acknowledging the past, coming to terms with it and enacting clear laws can future human rights violations be prevented.

These are not isolated cases with positive or negative outcomes, but systematic violations of the rights of the biological mother and the child.

For justice – act now!
 We are asking for:

• A state-funded support service that finally takes the real needs of those affected seriously and offers concrete help – free of charge, professional and permanently available.
   
• Legal, restrictive measures against illegal practices in the future.

Illegal adoptions are not a closed chapter of the past – they are a warning for the future.

Switzerland must ensure that such transgressions never happen again.

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