DOS has elaborated on their position with Guatemalan Adoptions and the Hague. Click here for the posting to their site.
I found the line: "For purposes of international law, Guatemala has been party to the Convention since March 2003. Guatemala has not implemented the Convention and its adoption system does not currently assign Convention functions in the manner prescribed by the Convention." quite interesting considering that qualifying what they consider "International Law" really means *how we (DOS) choose to interpret it*.
I would also like to challenge DOS in explaining EXACTLY how they "seek" to avoid this situation. I realize that many felt that my original post about this as seeming to be the alarmist position. However, when Guatemalan adoptions are threatened whether it is in early 2007 or late 2008, I am concerned. More importantly, what will happen to these children? Certainly, DOS will not be planning mission trips or soliciting funds to send to the orphanages as they reach capacity!
We'll be discussing the Hague, the intent and the current failures of Hague countries more in articles to come....
The DOS has also added a FAQ... http://travel.state.gov/family/adoption/notices/notices_2859.html#q1
Posted by Kelly at April 1, 2006 06:12 PM"We understand that those countries that did object are not generally doing adoptions in Guatemala"
from the faq link to the DOS site
This is not true for the UK - they have objected and adoptions continue - and i'm sure it's also true for other countries
Kelly --
Thanks for posting this. Very discouraging, to say the least.
-- Anne
Posted by: Anne at April 2, 2006 09:42 PMKelly --
I for one am very grateful that you are "alarming" us as some would say..... if so, we need it! There are some real concerns about the future of the U.S. and ICA in Guatemala.
Hopefully, all of us, ( those in process and those home with our children) will feel a sense of urgency and desire to help in some way in the months to come to ensure we do all we can to keep ICA open between Guatemala and the U.S.
Gracias!
Gloria
mom to 5 Guatemalan blessings