An international adoption scandal is now unfolding in several European countries. Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Finland are some of the countries that have examined their own adoption practices.
The Directorate for Children and Families, Bufdir, has carried out a thorough survey of what has come to light. They are responsible for supervising and approving the adoption processes. They believe the findings are very serious.
Anders Hendriksen, divisional director of BUFDIR, comments on scrutiny of adoptions. Photo: Yngve Bugge Drangsholt / TV2
– There are examples of corruption and illegalities in adoption cases to these countries. And these are countries we can compare ourselves to, says divisional director Anders Henriksen in Bufdir.
In the documentary series «Norway behind the facade» on TV 2, the last episode is about adoption. There, Minister for Children and Families Kjersti Toppe says that she has asked Bufdir for an internal review of its own adoption practice.
Documents TV 2 has seen show that Bufdir did not want an internal review. They recommended that the government appoint an investigation committee which delivers its final product in the form of an NOU.
This is the recommendation Bufdir sent to the Ministry of Children and Families Photo: Ingvild Gjerdsjo
It is division director Anders Henriksen who has signed the recommendation from Bufdir. He says they came up with the proposal because they are concerned about the legitimacy of an investigation.
– TV 2 has spoken to the adoptees’ organisations. They say they will not recognize an investigation Bufdir is doing of itself. What do you think about it?
– I think that in that case you have to look at how the whole process will play out. We have a sincere genuine desire to find out how this has happened and what mistakes are out there. And that is why we have also given the recommendation we have given, says Henriksen.
The recommendation was not accepted and now Bufdir must do what the government says.
– We have not received a final mandate from our ministry on the mission yet. But what has been decided is a system review in the first instance. Then we’ll see how it lands and then it’s up to the government to decide how they want to take it further, says the divisional director in Bufdir.
Silje Hjemdal sits on the Children and Culture Committee at the Storting. She believes that the solution that Minister Kjersti Toppe has chosen is not good enough.
– Here we have received several examples that the Norwegian state may have been involved in child trafficking. It is in the public interest to find all the information in this case and get the facts on the table. These families deserve it, and not least the children who may simply have been victims of kidnapping, says Hjemdal.
The Storting politician believes it is high time that Norway conducts an external and independent investigation, as many other countries have done.
– This is so crazy that I don’t think you can take in what it means. And the fact that you then have to have a process where you scrutinize yourself, I don’t think that will give much confidence out there. Here I believe that it is high time that you put away all political prestige and take this seriously, says Hjemdal.
Kathy Lie (SV) does not want Bufdir to investigate Bufdir Photo: Yngve Bugge Drangsholt / TV2
Family policy spokesperson in SV, Kathy Lie, agrees with the Progress Party’s demand for an investigation.
– Here I think it is obvious that Kjersti Toppe should turn around and think again. That Bufdir should investigate Bufdir is not particularly trust-building. Because this is precisely about trust. And it’s about respect for the people involved.
Storting representative from the Conservative Party, Tage Pettersen, believes that what has come to light about adoptions on TV 2 and VG recent times show that the situation is more serious than the ministry and the supervisory authorities seem to be aware of.
– I think the government should launch an investigation with an independent actor. This is important to create trust for all parties concerned. says Pettersen to TV 2.
Will follow up in the Storting
Silje Hjemdal from the FRP expects the government to turn around and initiate an external investigation into adoptions. Photo: Yngve Bugge Drangsholt / TV2
– I have now challenged the Minister for Family Affairs and expect a turnaround fairly quickly after the revelations of the last few days. If not, I am ready to put forward proposals in the Storting. And then I expect that a great many other parties, than the government parties, will then be willing to stand together to ensure that this case is reviewed in a responsible, good and, not least, confidence-inspiring way.
