The cantons of Zurich and Thurgau have not adequately fulfilled their responsibilities regarding the adoption of Indian children, as indicated by a study conducted from 1973 to 2002, which was presented on Friday in Zurich. In some instances, the biological parents had not signed a waiver.
Significant shortcomings were observed throughout the adoption process, highlighting issues in the cantons of Zurich and Thurgau. An analysis of 48 cases reveals that adoptions were routinely conducted without a declaration of renunciation from the parents.
The study found that the relevant departments in the cantons acknowledged the absence of essential documents. Furthermore, the canton of Zurich permitted the establishment of an employment service that lacked the necessary authorization.
“Systematic Violations of the Law”
The research evaluated adoptions in Zurich and Thurgau from 1973 to 2002. During this period, a total of 2,278 Indian children were adopted across Switzerland, including 256 in Zurich and 30 in Thurgau. The findings indicated “failures by the authorities and systematic violations of the law” in these two cantons.
According to Zurich cantonal archivist Beat Gnädinger, what the study uncovers is “no small matter.” He was the one who suggested the idea of investigating adoptions in India to Zurich State Councilor Jacqueline Fehr in 2020.
The State Councilor “immediately endorsed the idea,” the cantonal archivist emphasized. He was able to gain the support of the canton of Thurgau for this cause. In contrast, other cantons declined to participate in this independent study for various reasons.
>> Interview with Celin Fässler, member of the “Back to the Roots” association:
A report denounces the practices of cantonal authorities in the face of illegal adoptions: interview with Celin Fässler / Forum / 2 min. / today at 6:00 p.m.
Significant Gaps
The research conducted by three researchers across various archives highlights substantial gaps in adoption practices. They found that Swiss authorities were aware of numerous cases involving problematic or even illegal adoptions from India.
The researchers also interviewed adopted children and parents and traveled to India. They attempted to contact intermediaries still alive today but were unsuccessful. “One intermediary stated that the files were all time-barred and no longer relevant,” remarked one researcher.
The identified shortcomings pertain to the entire adoption process, from the reception of Indian children to the placement and adoption decision. Specifically, there have been instances where authorities approved an adoption without obtaining the declaration of renunciation from the Indian parents or the mother, as mandated by Swiss law.
Disappearance of Documents
The cantons accepted the lack of crucial documents in the adoption process. The canton of Zurich permitted an employment service to operate without the required authorization. Frequently, documents relating to the biological mother went missing.
Other studies reveal similar issues, such as those in the canton of St. Gallen regarding adoptions from Sri Lanka. Researchers note that significant improvements have been made in the field of adoptions over the last two decades.
Dismay, Helplessness, and Anger
Researchers and archivists in Zurich and Thurgau hope for meaningful changes following this study. Both cantonal governments fully support the conclusions of the study. Several political interventions have already been initiated in Zurich, and more are expected in Thurgau, according to Thurgau cantonal archivist André Salathé.
The findings have evoked “dismay, helplessness, and anger among those affected,” as noted by the “Back to the Roots” association in a press release on Friday. The study underscores the urgent need for action. The association calls for specific care and support for those impacted, as well as for national coordination and collaboration.
>> Also listen to the 12:30 p.m. topic: Swiss couples adopted over 2,200 children born in India without the consent of their biological mother between 1973 and 2002. / 12:30 p.m. / 1 min. / today at 12:36
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The Adoption Practices in Zurich and Thurgau: A Study of Systematic Failures
The cantons of Zurich and Thurgau have not sufficiently fulfilled their responsibilities regarding the adoption of Indian children, according to a comprehensive study conducted from 1973 to 2002, which was presented in Zurich. The findings indicate numerous lapses in the adoption process, particularly regarding the necessary documentation from biological parents.
Key Findings from the Study
- The analysis encompassed 48 adoption cases, revealing a pattern of adoptions executed without proper declaration of renunciation from biological parents.
- The responsible departments in both cantons acknowledged missing crucial documents that are legally required for the adoption process.
- The employment service sanctioned by the canton of Zurich lacked the necessary authorization, contributing to illegal practices.
“Systematic Violations of the Law”
The report’s examination of adoptions highlights that between 1973 and 2002, Switzerland saw a total of 2,278 Indian children adopted, with specific figures of 256 in Zurich and 30 in Thurgau. The evidence points to “failures of the authorities and systematic violations of the law,” underscoring substantial gaps in the legal frameworks governing adoption.
Beat Gnädinger, the canton archivist of Zurich, remarked, “What the study reveals is no small matter.” He initiated this investigation to ensure transparency regarding the adoption of children from India, gaining support from State Councilor Jacqueline Fehr.
Cooperation and Challenges
Despite the valuable insights gained from this study, cooperation from other cantons was met with resistance. They declined to participate for various reasons, which limited the scope of the investigation.
Gross Gaps in Adoption Practices
The research team, composed of three scholars, scrutinized archival material and engaged with both adopted children and their adoptive parents. They also made inquiries in India, although their attempts to reach intermediaries proved largely unfruitful. One intermediary noted that many files were deemed “time-barred” and no longer applicable.
Systemic Issues Identified
Throughout the adoption process—ranging from initial reception to final adoption decisions—significant shortcomings were uncovered. Notably:
- Authorities overlooked the requirement for formal declarations of renunciation from Indian biological parents.
- Essential documents frequently went missing, raising serious questions about due diligence.
- A lack of oversight allowed unauthorized employment services to facilitate adoptions.
Documentation Discrepancies
The absent documents have emerged as a critical concern. In many cases, important legal paperwork about the biological mothers simply disappeared, jeopardizing the integrity of the process. Such lapses not only undermine legal protocols but also affect the wellbeing and rights of the children involved.
Related research from other Swiss cantons, such as St. Gallen, reveals similar concerns regarding adoptions, particularly from Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, it’s noteworthy that there has been a concerted effort to enhance adoption policies over the past two decades.
Reactions and Next Steps
The revelations contained within the study prompted feelings of dismay, helplessness, and anger among affected parties. The “Back to the Roots” association emphasized the urgency of this matter, calling for specific care and support measures for individuals impacted by these adoption practices.
Political interventions have already been initiated in Zurich, aiming to address the systemic issues highlighted by the study. Discussions on similar measures in Thurgau are anticipated, reflecting a growing consensus on the need for reform.
Advocacy and Changes in Adoption Policy
Active advocacy groups, such as “Back to the Roots,” are pushing for national coordination and collaboration to improve the adoption framework in Switzerland. This initiative draws attention to the ongoing need for oversight, transparency, and ethical practices within the adoption sector.
Interview with Celin Fässler
Celin Fässler, a member of the “Back to the Roots” association, provides a personal perspective on the issues surrounding illegal adoptions and the systemic failures that have come to light. To learn more about these pressing issues, watch the detailed interview here.
Conclusion
The findings from this study serve as a clarion call for the authorities and all stakeholders involved in adoption practices in Switzerland. As the landscape of global adoptions evolves, so too must the frameworks and policies that govern them to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of the most vulnerable—children.
