The Chamber's Committee on External Relations has unanimously adopted the draft resolution by MR MP Michel De Maegd on illegal adoptions.
Michel De Maegd reaffirms the importance of carrying out a thorough federal administrative inquiry into the matter. With a twofold aim: to support victims and to prevent further illegal adoptions from taking place. This resolution follows the official recognition, last May, by the federal government, of the occurrence of illegal adoptions in Belgium.
The new text goes even further, calling in particular for:
- the limitation period for such acts be extended,
- a central point of support for victims be created,
- they be given free psychological support to help them rebuild their lives,
- the destruction of adoption archives after ten years be stopped, as is currently the case.
Since the adoption, in June 2022, of his first text on this subject, the situation in our country has already evolved considerably.
Such acts are now legally regarded as human trafficking. The formalities for changing one's name have been simplified. Civil rights and nationality have been guaranteed for victims. The archives have been opened.
Internationally, Michel De Maegd had also secured recognition from the UN that illegal adoptions be treated as crimes against humanity.
“Belgium is now among the most proactive countries on this issue. But we must go further. The victims need it. The government has committed, in its agreement, to keep its focus on this matter. The vote on this text therefore aims to keep up the pressure so that new concrete measures are taken. The fight for the victims, for truth and justice continues,” said federal MR MP Michel De Maegd.
The resolution, unanimously adopted today in committee, will shortly be examined in the Chamber's plenary session.