DEMARCHE TO LAOS: HAGUE ADOPTION CONVENTION

UNCLAS VIENTIANE 000116 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KOCI CASC PREL LA SUBJECT: DEMARCHE TO LAOS: HAGUE ADOPTION CONVENTION RATIFICATION REF: STATE 10212 ¶1. The DCM called on MFA's Acting Director General for International Organizations Saleumxay Kommasith on February 14 regarding the Hague Adoption Convention. She informed Mr. Saleumxay that the U.S. has become a party to the convention and is encouraging the government of Laos (GOL) to consider joining it as well. The DCM pointed out that one aim of the convention is to prevent human trafficking, an area in which the USG and the GOL have a cooperative working relationship. She noted that there are not currently a large number of international adoptions in Laos but said that this may well change as other countries place increasing restrictions on international adoptions and adoption organizations, both reputable and otherwise, seek new places to operate. The DCM provided written background information on the convention and offered to provide further information based on the U.S. experience. She told Mr. Saleumxay that the Embassy also plans to discuss the Hague Convention with MFA's Department of Consular Affairs. ¶2. Mr. Saleumxay said that, while Laos is not yet party to the Hague Convention, this does not mean that the GOL considers it unimportant. The issue of trafficking, he said, is a major concern both in the region and throughout the world. He noted that the GOL is reviewing the large number of treaties and conventions to which it is not yet party in order to set priorities for accession. He said that the GOL would welcome the opportunity to learn from the USG's experience in implementation; the Consular Affaors Department would be the best point of contact for ongoing discussions. He suggested that we discuss the convention with MFA's Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs as well. We will follow up with both departments. Huso