U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Bureau of Consular Affairs

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For immediate Release                                                                         June 14, 2005

Media Note

U.S. and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Reach Agreement on International Adoptions

The United States Embassy in Hanoi is pleased to announce an agreement initialed yesterday between the governments of the United States of America and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam regarding cooperation on the adoption of children, paving the way for signature next week in Washington, D.C.

This has been an effort of many months and reflects both countries’ commitment to the welfare and well being of children and parents, as well as to a transparent and effective adoption system between our two countries.  The features of the agreement include:

-         The Parties support the facilitation of the adoption of orphaned children on humanitarian grounds and for the purpose of child protection.

-         The agreement that appropriate measures should be taken under respective national laws to prevent and deal with actions of adoption abuse involving the exploitation of children and other infringements on a child’s lawful rights and interests.

-         Recognition of the respective national laws governing the licensing and oversight of adoption service providers.

The United States welcomes indications from the Government of Vietnam that it intends to accede to the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption.  The United States supports the goals and principles of this Convention, which calls for transparency in a country’s adoption system and safeguards to protect vulnerable children.

The Bureau of Consular Affairs will continue to update the information posted on this website as it becomes available.

 Linda Brownlee and Carl Jenkins

Co-Chairs of Vietnam Caucus

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