The aftermath of transnational illegal adoptions: Redressing human rights violations in the intercountry adoption system with instruments of transitional justice

This article examines human rights violations in illegal intercountry adoption systems and explores how transitional justice approaches can be used to provide remedies and reparations to illegally adopted individuals and their biological families. The author argues that effective redress requires combining retributive justice measures, which hold wrongdoers accountable, with restorative justice approaches that address victims' needs and interests. The work responds to a growing movement of illegally adopted people seeking justice and repair for the harm they have experienced.

Key points

• Illegally adopted individuals and their biological families have suffered human rights violations requiring remedies and reparations
• Transitional justice instruments can be adapted to address harms from illegal intercountry adoptions
• Effective redress requires combining both retributive justice (accountability) and restorative justice (victim-focused) approaches
• There is a growing movement of illegally adopted individuals requesting recognition and remedies

Limitations

This article appears to be a conceptual or policy analysis exploring potential remedies rather than an empirical evaluation of specific interventions. The document does not present evidence about the effectiveness of particular justice mechanisms or the outcomes for affected children and families.