Suspension of Intercountry Adoptions in Lesotho

Suspension of Intercountry Adoptions in Lesotho

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) of the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho suspended the adoption of Basotho children by foreigners effective June 8, 2007. The Government’s “Commission of Inquiry” (COI), established after the suspension to study allegations of abuse of adopted Basotho children, began its work in January 2008. The COI is reviewing cases of children who were previously adopted. According to MOHSW officials, the COI plans to submit a final report to the Government Cabinet by early May 2008.

Subsequent to the adoption suspension, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare decided to allow Basotho courts to issue foster care orders, which basically grant guardianship to prospective adoptive parents. The target audience for the foster care option is foreigners with long-term residence in Lesotho who seek to adopt a Basotho child.

Source: ISS team