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A dark chapter came to light last February: Swiss couples adopted 881 children from Sri Lanka until the 1990s. The adoptions were organized by a mafia-like child trafficking industry: documents were falsified, children were they were given up for adoption without the consent of their biological parents and there was systematic conception in so-called “baby farms”. The Swiss authorities did not stop the adoptions, even though they knew everything.
All of this was revealed by a research report from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). This is the first time that the Federal Council has expressed its opinion.
Federal Councilor Karin Keller-Sutter expresses her condolences
Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter (56) expressed her regret in front of the media on behalf of the Federal Council. “The Federal Council recognizes that these faults caused much suffering among those affected that cannot be reversed.”
The authorities at the cantonal and federal level have hidden behind their responsibilities. “In the end, no one took responsibility.”
Fredy Fässler (61), president of the Conference of Cantonal Police and Justice Directors, also admitted misconduct on behalf of the cantons. “We have to make sure that similar mistakes don’t happen today.”
The adoption system should be checked for weaknesses.
The Federal Council now wants to support those affected in their search for origin. How come Keller-Sutter still leaves it open? A working group made up of representatives of the Confederation, cantons and affected organizations will prepare proposals. Another group of experts should also examine the current adoption system for weaknesses. Additionally, the Federal Council is commissioning an investigation to examine past adoptions from other countries of origin. At that time, three times more children were adopted from India alone than from Sri Lanka.
Switzerland is the first country to act on this. Around the world, couples adopted 11,000 babies from Sri Lanka. Sarah Ineichen (39), president of the Back to the Roots organization, says: “The fact that Switzerland recognizes our injustice will certainly have an effect on other countries.” In response to the Federal Council’s response, he said: “It is a great relief to us and a milestone for all overseas adopters.”
Sarah Andrés (35), another victim, also says: “Now that our destiny is recognized, the wounds can heal.” To this day, many previously adopted people have to justify their search for origin in their environment. “He is considered ungrateful.” She hopes the Federal Council’s decision will change that.
Finding parents is difficult
Those affected can hardly wait for the support of the victims because the acts were committed abroad and the cases are generally prescribed by law. For those affected, authorities are now responsible for making sure the adoptees at least find their mothers. The search is difficult. Often they do not have birth certificates. If so, they are provided made-up names of mothers or actresses who received money for their signatures. Of the 200 adopters who are part of Back to the Roots, 12 have found their parents. Without clarification and on-site DNA testing, this would not have been possible. Sarah Ineichen demands: “The Swiss state has to pay for DNA tests.”
In addition, it calls for a specialized agency independent of the state to support those affected. “Many have inhibitions, the obstacles are high,” he says. Today, the same government agencies address the concerns that made illegal adoptions possible back then.
The search for the origin is stressful, Sarah Andres knows it. She was adopted in 1985, although her mother’s signature, the declaration of consent, does not appear on her adoption documents. Thanks to a Back to the Roots DNA test, he found it anyway. The two met for the first time in 2018 and Andrés declared: “The cultural and linguistic barrier makes it difficult to establish close contact.” It is just the beginning of a long process.
The number of international adoptions is falling, around 70 last year. However, there are still complaints today. Last April, the Lucerne criminal court convicted a Swiss adoption agent for bribing officials in Sri Lanka. Ineichen requires a standardized examination procedure in all cantons.
