Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
10MASERU29
2010-01-28 11:03:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Maseru
Cable title:  

EMBASSY MASERU HONORS NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH, DECEMBER

Tags:  CASC KOCI LT 
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VZCZCXRO0229
RR RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHJO RUEHRN
DE RUEHMR #0029 0281103
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 281103Z JAN 10
FM AMEMBASSY MASERU
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4568
INFO RUCNSAD/SADC COLLECTIVE
RUEHMR/AMEMBASSY MASERU 5004
UNCLAS MASERU 000029 

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR CA/OCS/CI:SARAH SHAFFER
JOHANNESBURG PASS TO RCO KENT MAY

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC KOCI LT
SUBJECT: EMBASSY MASERU HONORS NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH, DECEMBER
2009

UNCLAS MASERU 000029

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR CA/OCS/CI:SARAH SHAFFER
JOHANNESBURG PASS TO RCO KENT MAY

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC KOCI LT
SUBJECT: EMBASSY MASERU HONORS NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH, DECEMBER
2009


1. Summary: Embassy Maseru held a roundtable discussion on the
subject of Lesotho adoption procedures on December 2, 2009, in
honor of National Adoption Month. Among the participants were
members of Lesotho's Ministry of Health and Social Welfare,
directors of a local child care facility, and a spokesperson
from the adoption agency representing the U.S. in Lesotho
adoptions. End summary.


2. Ambassador Robert Nolan began the session by emphasizing how
important adoption is to both nations, the United States and
Lesotho. He acknowledged the fact that in December 2008, the
Government of Lesotho (GOL) lifted the suspension on adoptions
to the United States, Sweden, Canada and the Netherlands, and
most recently, designated Americans for African Adoptions as the
agency to represent the U.S. in adoptions of children from
Lesotho. He encouraged all parties to do what they could to
facilitate the adoption of Lesotho's many orphans.


3. The discussion began with a heartfelt story by an American
currently residing in Lesotho, who has experienced both the
domestic and intercountry adoption process. He shared how he and
his wife struggled with the judiciary system, yet eventually
succeeded in adopting six of their eight children, two of which
are Basotho. His description of the cultural impact on the
child, the lack of education on adoption issues from the
judiciary branches in different countries, and lack of
communication between all parties involved in an adoption
process, quickly led us to the next topic on the roles played by
the parties involved.


4. It was widely agreed across the table that all members
present at the meeting play a significant role, yet
miscommunication or lack of communication continues to be a
problem. The Department of Social Welfare (DSW) has progressed
in recent years by establishing internal guidelines for both
local and international adoptions. Out of the many child care
facilities in Lesotho, DSW works closely with Beautiful Gate
(BG),a facility known to advocate for the rights of children
and the establishment of an effective adoption/foster care
program in Lesotho. BG is one of the few facilities that provide
residential and medical care to abandoned children, some of whom
are HIV/AIDS infected, and orphans and vulnerable children. The
directors offered suggestions to establishing a set of
guidelines similar to those outlined in the Hague Convention on
Adoption.


5. Given that Lesotho is not party to the Hague, Conoff
outlined the differences that convention and non-convention
countries have. Members of the DSW previously voiced their
concerns on the lack of parent education and the possibility of
child trafficking, however, they were amazed to learn that being
party to the Hague would protect and cover these sensitive
issues. The Director of DSW requested post's support in
educating members of the judiciary branch by briefing them on
the Hague, and the Ambassador agreed to advocate with the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Lesotho's accession to the Hague
convention.


6. The closing of the roundtable discussion ended with an
agreement for all members present to communicate and collaborate
on intercountry adoptions firsthand, at the time an organization
is contacted. Conoff will draft informal guidelines that were
mentioned by each agency present and distribute to all parties,
so that standard procedures are followed when handling
intercountry adoptions. Post will follow up with CA/OCS/CI for
possible training on the Hague Convention for members of the GOL.

NOLAN