The Convention of 29 May 1993 on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (HCCH 1993 Adoption Convention) protects children and their families against the risks of illegal, irregular, premature or ill-prepared adoptions abroad. This Convention, which operates through a system of national Central Authorities, reinforces the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Art. 21) and seeks to ensure that intercountry adoptions are made in the best interests of the child and with respect for his or her fundamental rights. It also seeks to prevent the abduction, the sale of, or traffic in children. For further information, see the Outline of the Convention or the more detailed Brochure on the Convention.

Please note that the Permanent Bureau of the HCCH has no mandate to assist in individual adoption cases. If you have a question relating to intercountry adoption and your country is a Party to the HCCH 1993 Adoption Convention, please contact the Central Authority designated by your country.

Explanatory documents:

Information for new Contracting States:

Recommended Model Forms:

Guides to Good Practice:

Country profiles:

Special Commissions:

Questionnaires and responses:

Habitual Residence:

Financial Aspects:

Preventing and Addressing Illicit Practices:

Domestic adoptions:

Technical Assistance Programme (ICATAP)

Workshops & Seminars:

Adoption during emergency situations:

Statistics

Related documents and links

Bibliography