This document discusses the complex issue of distinguishing between child trafficking and intercountry adoption in South Asian countries. There are differing views on whether adoption constitutes trafficking by transferring children from poor to rich nations. While some see adoption as helping abandoned children, others see it as exploiting the vulnerable for profit. The document outlines steps taken at regional, sub-regional and national levels to address trafficking. However, it notes ongoing issues like lack of enforcement, weak punishments and incomplete legal frameworks. It concludes that under current circumstances, intercountry adoption can enable trafficking by allowing children to be treated as commodities rather than properly regulating intermediaries and adoption systems.

1. Topic: Crossing Borders and Boundaries- Child
Trafficking and Its Dimensions in the South
Asian Countries
Sub-Topic: Child Trafficking and Illegal Adoption in
South Asian Countries
PRESENTED BY: ASHA MEENA
ROLL NO.: 17161
GROUP NO.: 18

2. Dilemmas that make it difficult to distinguish
Intercountry Adoption from Child Trafficking
 To some, intercountry adoption in itself is more or less a form of child trafficking, as it involves the transfer of
children from poor nations to rich nations in order to meet the demand of those in rich nations for children. The
fact that those seeking to adopt want daughters and sons, not sex or labor, seems to make little difference for
those most ideologically opposed to intercountry adoption. In broad terms, it is still a matter of the citizens of rich
countries using their wealth and power to "buy" the vulnerable children of the poor.
 By contrast, those most supportive of intercountry adoption perceive literally millions of children in need of
intercountry adoption in developing and transition economy nations. Children abandoned, killed, left in dismal
orphanages, or living on the streets bear horrific testimony to the pressing need for adoption.
 These sharply conflicting views of intercountry adoption engender confusion. When one group views intercountry
adoption as a form of child trafficking, while another views intercountry adoption as a beautiful act of compassion.

3. Steps taken to deal with child
trafficking
 Regional Level
• ESCAP
 Sub-regional Level
• SAARC
• ASEAN
 National Level

4. Adoption Scandals
 Cambodia
 India
 China

5. Lacunae in the Endeavours
 Lack of Enforcement
 Weak Punishments for Trafficking Offenders
 Incomplete Legal Frameworks
 Cumbersome repatriation procedures

6. Concluding Remarks
 The fundamental legal distinction between a legitimate adoption and the illicit sale of a child is
unclear in both theory and practice.
 The system maintains the illusion that intermediaries are being paid for "services," rather
than for the child.
 Those who label intercountry adoption as a form of child trafficking are largely correct, at
least under current circumstances and contexts.
 Intercountry adoption is a form of child trafficking because the law and current systems of
intercountry adoption permit it to operate as such.