The United Nations (UN) lacks direct authority over the internal policies of individual nations, including matters concerning adoption bans. The UN concentrates on global issues, peace, security, development and human rights as an international organization. National governments usually control adoption policies and determinations regarding adoption regulations, such as bans, are considered matters of individual countries’ sovereignty.
Grace Burke
Hi! My name is Grace Burke. On Sept 25, 2007 my life changed forever. My mom adopted me from Orsk, Russia when I was only 11 months old.
Only 5 years later, the Russian Duma imposed an international adoption ban forbidding Americans to adopt from Russia.
That day, 46 children lost their opportunity to unite with their forever family. That could have been me. I had to take action. I am advocating for the reversal of this ban. I want to eliminate any further suffering and lost opportunities.
My mom and I are so blessed that we found each other. It was meant to be. Now it is my turn to advocate for the children in Russia who are still in search of their forever home.
How can you help me get the word out?
Opinion: The children are not alright: Making the case for the reversal of Russia’s international adoption ban
Potential adoptees are caught between the United States and Russia’s political rivalry.
Opinion: The Forgotten 46, pawns in the politics of the Russian adoption ban
The 2013 Russian adoption ban, a retaliation to the U.S. Magnitsky Act, tragically halted the adoptions of 46 Russian children by American families. This is the story of the children who were caught in geopolitical crossfire. A ban that calls into question the ethical dilemma of using children as pawns in diplomatic conflicts.