Tractatenblad 2012, 185

47 (1993) Nr. 4

A. TITEL

Verdrag inzake de bescherming van kinderen en de samenwerking op het gebied van de interlandelijke adoptie;

’s-Gravenhage, 29 mei 1993

B. TEKST

De Franse en de Engelse tekst van het Verdrag zijn geplaatst in Trb. 1993, 197.

C. VERTALING

Zie Trb. 1996, 94.

D. PARLEMENT

Zie Trb. 1998, 244.

E. PARTIJGEGEVENS

Zie rubriek E van Trb. 1993, 197 en rubriek F van Trb. 1998, 244.

Partij	Ondertekening	Ratificatie	Type^*	In werking	Opzegging	Buiten werking
Albanië	12-09-00	12-09-00	R	01-01-01
Andorra		03-01-97	T	01-05-97
Armenië		01-03-07	T	01-06-07
Australië	25-08-98	25-08-98	R	01-12-98
Azerbeidzjan		22-06-04	T	01-10-04
Belarus	10-12-97	17-07-03	R	01-11-03
België	27-01-99	26-05-05	R	01-09-05
Belize		20-12-05	T	01-04-06
Bolivia	10-11-00	12-03-02	R	01-07-02
Brazilië	29-05-93	10-03-99	R	01-07-99
Bulgarije	27-02-01	15-05-02	R	01-09-02
Burkina Faso	19-04-94	11-01-96	R	01-05-96
Burundi		15-10-98	T	01-02-99
Cambodja		06-04-07	T	01-08-07
Canada	12-04-94	19-12-96	R	01-04-97
Chili	13-07-99	13-07-99	R	01-11-99
China	30-11-00	16-09-05	R	01-01-06
Colombia	01-09-93	13-07-98	R	01-11-98
Costa Rica	29-05-93	30-10-95	R	01-02-96
Cuba		20-02-07	T	01-06-07
Cyprus	17-11-94	20-02-95	R	01-06-95
Denemarken	02-07-97	02-07-97	R	01-11-97
Dominicaanse Republiek		22-11-06	T	01-03-07
Duitsland	07-11-97	22-11-01	R	01-03-02
Ecuador	03-05-94	07-09-95	R	01-01-96
El Salvador	21-11-96	17-11-98	R	01-03-99
Estland		22-02-02	T	01-06-02
Fiji		29-04-12	T	01-08-12
Filipijnen	17-07-95	02-07-96	R	01-11-96
Finland	19-04-94	27-03-97	R	01-07-97
Frankrijk	05-04-95	30-06-98	R	01-10-98
Georgië		09-04-99	T	01-08-99
Griekenland	02-09-09	02-09-09	R	01-01-10
Guatemala		26-11-02	T	01-03-03
Guinee		21-10-03	T	01-02-04
Haïti	02-03-11
Hongarije	25-05-04	06-04-05	R	01-08-05
Ierland	19-06-96	28-07-10	R	01-11-10
IJsland		17-01-00	T	01-05-00
India	09-01-03	06-06-03	R	01-10-03
Israël	02-11-93	03-02-99	R	01-06-99
Italië	11-12-95	18-01-00	R	01-05-00
Kaapverdië		04-09-09	T	01-01-10
Kazachstan		09-07-10	T	01-11-10
Kenia		12-02-07	T	01-06-07
Lesotho		24-08-12	T	01-12-12
Letland	29-05-02	09-08-02	R	01-12-02
Liechtenstein		26-01-09	T	01-05-09
Litouwen		29-04-98	T	01-08-98
Luxemburg	06-06-95	05-07-02	R	01-11-02
Macedonië, de voormalige Joegoslavische Republiek		23-12-08	T	01-04-09
Madagaskar	12-05-04	12-05-04	R	01-09-04
Mali		02-05-06	T	01-09-06
Malta		13-10-04	T	01-02-05
Mauritius		28-09-98	T	01-01-99
Mexico	29-05-93	14-09-94	R	01-05-95
Moldavië		10-04-98	T	01-08-98
Monaco		29-06-99	T	01-10-99
Mongolië		25-04-00	T	01-08-00
Montenegro		09-03-12	T	01-07-12
Nederlanden, het Koninkrijk der	05-12-93
– Nederland:
– in Europa		26-06-98	R	01-10-98
– Bonaire		18-10-10	R	01-02-11
– Sint Eustatius		18-10-10	R	01-02-11
– Saba		18-10-10	R	01-02-11
– Aruba		–		–
– Curaçao		–		–
– Sint Maarten		–		–
Nepal	28-04-09
Nieuw-Zeeland		18-09-98	T	01-01-99
Noorwegen	20-05-96	25-09-97	R	01-01-98
Oostenrijk	18-12-98	19-05-99	R	01-09-99
Panama	15-06-99	29-09-99	R	01-01-00
Paraguay		13-05-98	T	01-09-98
Peru	16-11-94	14-09-95	R	01-01-96
Polen	12-06-95	12-06-95	R	01-10-95
Portugal	26-08-99	19-03-04	R	01-07-04
Roemenië	29-05-93	28-12-94	R	01-05-95
Russische Federatie	07-09-00
Rwanda		28-03-12	T	01-07-12
San Marino		06-10-04	T	01-02-05
Senegal		24-08-11	T	01-12-11
Seychellen		26-06-08	T	01-10-08
Slovenië	24-01-02	24-01-02	R	01-05-02
Slowakije	01-06-99	06-06-01	R	01-10-99
Spanje	27-03-95	11-07-95	R	01-11-95
Sri Lanka	24-05-94	23-01-95	R	01-05-95
Thailand	29-04-04	29-04-04	R	01-08-04
Togo		12-10-09	T	01-02-10
Tsjechië	01-12-99	11-02-00	R	01-06-00
Turkije	05-12-01	27-05-04	R	01-09-04
Uruguay	01-09-93	03-12-03	R	01-04-04
Venezuela	10-01-97	10-01-97	R	01-05-97
Verenigd Koninkrijk	12-01-94	27-02-03	R	01-06-03
Verenigde Staten van Amerika	31-03-94	12-12-07	R	01-04-08
Vietnam	07-12-10	01-11-11	R	01-02-12
Zuid-Afrika		21-08-03	T	01-12-03
Zweden	10-10-96	28-05-97	R	01-09-97
Zwitserland	16-01-95	24-09-02	R	01-01-03
^* O=Ondertekening zonder voorbehoud of vereiste van ratificatie, R= Bekrachtiging, aanvaarding, goedkeuring of kennisgeving, T=Toetreding, VG=Voortgezette gebondenheid, NB=Niet bekend

Uitbreidingen

Australië

Uitgebreid tot	In werking	Buiten werking
Ashmore en Cartiereilanden	01-12-1998
Australisch Antarctisch Territorium	01-12-1998
Christmaseiland	01-12-1998
Cocoseilanden	01-12-1998
Heardeiland en McDonaldeilanden	01-12-1998
Koraal Zee-eilanden	01-12-1998
Norfolk	01-12-1998

Canada

Uitgebreid tot	In werking	Buiten werking
Alberta	01-11-1997
Brits Columbia	01-04-1997
Manitoba	01-04-1997
New Brunswick	01-04-1997
Newfoundland en Labrador	01-12-2003
Northwest Territories	01-04-2000
Nova Scotia	01-10-1999
Nunavut	01-09-2001
Ontario	01-12-1999
Prins Edwardeiland	01-04-1997
Quebec	01-02-2006
Saskatchewan	01-04-1997
Yukon Territory	01-08-1998

China

Uitgebreid tot	In werking	Buiten werking
Hongkong SAR	01-01-2006
Macau SAR	01-01-2006

Denemarken

Uitgebreid tot	In werking	Buiten werking
Faeröer	01-04-2007
Groenland	01-05-2010

Verenigd Koninkrijk

Uitgebreid tot	In werking	Buiten werking
Man	01-11-2003

Bezwaren tegen toetreding

Armenië

Bezwaar door	Bezwaar	Intrekking
Duitsland	28-01-2008	29-01-2009
Nederlanden, het Koninkrijk der (het Europese deel van Nederland)	29-08-2007	28-12-2010

Duitsland, 28 januari 2008

The Federal Republic of Germany raises an objection to the accession of the Republic of Armenia under Article 44 (3) of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption of 29 May 1993. However, Germany reserves the right to withdraw the objection.

Intrekking, 29 januari 2009

The Federal Republic of Germany withdraws its objection to the accession of the Republic of Armenia under Article 44 (3) of the Convention.

Nederlanden, het Koninkrijk der, 29 augustus 2007

[…] the Kingdom of the Netherlands (the Kingdom in Europe) raises an objection to the accession of the Republic of Armenia to the Convention on protection of children and co-operation in respect of intercountry adoption, as long as no Central Authority has been designated by the Republic of Armenia.

Intrekking, 28 december 2010

Since the Republic of Armenia has fulfilled the obligation to designate a Central Authority, the Kingdom of the Netherlands (the Kingdom in Europe) withdraws its declaration made in accordance with article 44, paragraph 3, of the Convention, objecting to the accession of the Republic of Armenia to the Convention.

Belize

Bezwaar door	Bezwaar	Intrekking
Nederlanden, het Koninkrijk der (het Europese deel van Nederland)	13-02-2006	29-08-2007

Nederlanden, het Koninkrijk der, 13 februari 2006

[…] the Kingdom of the Netherlands (the Kingdom in Europe) raises an objection to the accession of Belize to the Convention on protection of children and co-operation in respect of intercountry adoption, as long as no Central Authority has been designated by Belize.

Intrekking, 29 augustus 2007

The Kingdom of the Netherlands (the Kingdom in Europe) withdraws its declarations made in accordance with article 44, paragraph 3, of the Convention, objecting to the accession of […] Belize […].

Cambodja

Bezwaar door	Bezwaar	Intrekking
Duitsland	08-11-2007
Nederlanden, het Koninkrijk der (het Europese deel van Nederland)	10-12-2007
Verenigd Koninkrijk	13-12-2007

Duitsland, 8 november 2007

The Federal Republic of Germany raises an objection to the accession of the Kingdom of Cambodia under Article 44 (3) of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption from 29 May 1993. However, Germany reserves the right to withdraw the objection.

Nederlanden, het Koninkrijk der, 10 december 2007

The Netherlands objects to the accession of Cambodia to the Hague Convention on protection of children and cooperation in respect of intercountry adoption, because it is still unclear whether the adoption process complies with international norms.

Verenigd Koninkrijk, 13 december 2007

In accordance with Article 44, paragraph 3, of the Convention, the United Kingdom hereby objects to the accession of the Kingdom of Cambodia in respect of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man and declares that Cambodia’s accession will have no effect as regards relations between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Dominicaanse Republiek

Bezwaar door	Bezwaar	Intrekking
Duitsland	29-06-2007	01-08-2008
Nederlanden, het Koninkrijk der (het Europese deel van Nederland)	18-01-2007	29-08-2007

Duitsland, 29 juni 2007

The Federal Republic of Germany raises an objection to the accession of the Dominican Republic under Article 44 (3) of the Hague Convention on protection of children and co-operation in respect of intercountry adoption from 29 May 1993. However, Germany reserves the right to withdraw the objection.

Intrekking, 1 augustus 2008

The Federal Republic of Germany withdraws its objection to the accession of the Dominican Republic under Article 44 (3) of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption of 29 May 1993.

Nederlanden, het Koninkrijk der, 18 januari 2007

[…] the Kingdom of the Netherlands (the Kingdom in Europe) raises an objection to the accession of the Dominican Republic to the Convention on protection of children and co-operation in respect of intercountry adoption, as long as no Central Authority has been designated by the Dominican Republic.

Intrekking, 29 augustus 2007

The Kingdom of the Netherlands (the Kingdom in Europe) withdraws its declarations made in accordance with article 44, paragraph 3, of the Convention, objecting to the accession of […] the Dominican Republic to the Convention.

Guatemala

Bezwaar door	Bezwaar	Intrekking
Canada	24-07-2003
Duitsland	22-07-2003
Nederlanden, het Koninkrijk der (het Europese deel van Nederland)	18-07-2003
Spanje	25-07-2003
Verenigd Koninkrijk	25-07-2003

Canada, 24 juli 2003

The Government of Canada welcomes the willingness shown by other Contracting States and the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law to assist the Government of Guatemala to reform its adoption procedures.

Despite these positive aspects, the Embassy wishes to inform the Ministry that the Government of Canada would like to raise an objection to the accession of the Republic of Guatemala to the Convention, in accordance with article 44.3 thereof, at this time. In raising this objection, the Government of Canada wishes to allow the Government of Guatemala sufficient time to incorporate the standards and requirements of the Convention into its adoption procedures. Once these measures are put in place, the Government of Canada will review its objection with a view to having it withdrawn.

Duitsland, 22 juli 2003

The Federal Republic of Germany raises an objection to the accession of Guatemala under Article 44 (3) of the Hague Convention on protection of children and co-operation in respect of intercountry adoption. However Germany reserves the rights to withdraw the objection.

Nederlanden, het Koninkrijk der, 18 juli 2003

The Netherlands objects to the acceptance of Guatemala’s accession to the Hague Convention on protection of children and co-operation in respect of intercountry adoption, because it has emerged that Guatemala cannot yet meet the requirements imposed by the Convention.

A meeting was held on 20 May 2003 at the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law between the head of the Procuradoría de la Nación (the body Guatemala has designated as the Central Authority), staff of the Central Authorities of other member states, and a representative of Unicef, at which it became clear that Guatemala is currently taking measures to implement the Convention. A Central Authority has now been designated and organised. Further steps are under consideration. However, measures are not yet in place:

• 1. to establish whether children are adoptable (article 4, paragraph 1(a) of the Convention);

• 2. to determine that an intercountry adoption is in the child’s best interests and whether possibilities for placement exist within the State of origin (Guatemala does not have a child protection system or a database of Guatemalan adoptive parents) (article 4, paragraph 1(b) of the Convention);

• 3. to ensure that consent has been given properly by the parent or parents, and that they have been duly informed of the consequences of their consent (article 4, paragraph 1(c) of the Convention).

It also emerged at the meeting that opponents of the Convention in Guatemala have instituted proceedings to challenge its constitutionality. The Netherlands is not yet aware of the outcome. It is clear that it will not be easy for the Guatemalan authorities to implement all the Convention’s provisions.

The findings of the meeting on 20 May have been confirmed by information provided by the Dutch embassy in Guatemala and the International Social Service/International Resource Centre for Protection of Children in Adoption in Geneva.

In the light of the foregoing, the Netherlands advocates suspending acceptance of Guatemala’s accession until it has been established beyond doubt that the Convention’s conditions can be fulfilled. At present there are insufficient guarantees that adoptions in Guatemala take place with due regard for the safeguards afforded by the Convention.

Spanje, 25 juli 2003

Spain welcomes Guatemala’s accession to the present Convention to the extent that this implies that Guatemala is willing to improve its adoption system. However, Spain is concerned that Guatemala’s accession may impact on the relations between Spain and Guatemala, in that the Guatemalan legislation governing adoption will not have been amended nor the administrative provisions necessary to develop its adoption system introduced by the time of its accession.

Nevertheless, Spain wishes to demonstrate its willingness to establish the necessary cooperation mechanisms between the competent Spanish and Guatemalan public authorities, so that this development takes place as soon as possible, to allow the central authorities of both countries to work together within the framework of the Convention.

Verenigd Koninkrijk, 25 juli 2003

In accordance with Article 44 of the Convention, the United Kingdom hereby objects to the accession of Guatemala in respect of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man and declares that Guatemala’s accession will have no effect as regards relations between the United Kingdom and Guatemala.

Guinee

Bezwaar door	Bezwaar	Intrekking
Duitsland	24-05-2004

Duitsland, 24 mei 2004

The Federal Republic of Germany raises an objection to the accession of Guinea under Article 44 (3) of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption from 29 May 1993. However Germany reserves the right to withdraw the objection.

Mali

Bezwaar door	Bezwaar	Intrekking
Duitsland	28-11-2006	11-02-2008
Nederlanden, het Koninkrijk der (het Europese deel van Nederland)	02-06-2006	29-08-2007

Duitsland, 28 november 2006

The Federal Republic of Germany raises an objection to the accession of Mali under Article 44 (3) of the Hague Convention on protection of children and co-operation in respect of intercountry adoption from 29 May 1993. However, Germany reserves the right to withdraw the objection.

Intrekking, 11 februari 2008

The Federal Republic of Germany withdraws its objection to the accession of the Republic of Mali under Article 44 (3) of the Hague Convention on protection of children and co-operation in respect of intercountry adoption of 29 May 1993.

Nederlanden, het Koninkrijk der, 2 juni 2006

[…] the Kingdom of the Netherlands (the Kingdom in Europe) raises an objection to the accession of Mali to the Convention on protection of children and co-operation in respect of intercountry adoption, as long as no Central Authority has been designated by Mali.

Intrekking, 29 augustus 2007

The Kingdom of the Netherlands (the Kingdom in Europe) withdraws its declarations made in accordance with article 44, paragraph 3, of the Convention, objecting to the accession of […] Mali […].

Verklaringen, voorbehouden en bezwaren

Andorra, 1 januari 2002

In accordance with Article 22.4, the Principality of Andorra declares that children habitually resident in the Principality may be adopted only by persons resident in States where the functions of the Central Authority are performed by public authorities or organisations accredited pursuant to the provisions of Article 22, paragraph 1 of the Convention.

In accordance with Article 34 of the Convention, the Principality of Andorra declares that any documents addressed for transmission to the Principality of Andorra for the purposes of the Convention which are not in Catalan, Spanish, French or English should be accompanied by an official translation in one of the said languages.

Armenië, 20 juli 2007

Pursuant to Article 22, paragraph 4 of the Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Intercountry Adoption, the Republic of Armenia declares that adoptions of children habitually resident in its territory may only take place if the functions of the Central Authorities are performed in accordance with Article 22, paragraph 1 of the Convention.

Pursuant to Article 25 of the Convention, the Republic of Armenia declares that it will not be bound under this Convention to recognize adoptions made in accordance with an agreement concluded by application of Article 39, paragraph 2.

Australië, 25 augustus 1998

Pursuant to Article 22.4 of the Convention, Australia declares that children habitually resident in all territorial units of Australia may be adopted only by persons resident in the countries where the functions of the Central Authority are performed by public authorities or bodies accredited pursuant to Chapter III of the Convention.

Pursuant to Article 25 of the Convention, Australia declares that it will not be bound to recognise adoptions made in accordance with an agreement concluded in accordance with Article 39, paragraph 2.

Pursuant to Article 45, Australia declares that the Convention shall extend to all the territorial units of Australia.

Australia further declares that, while Australia accepts the obligations imposed by the Convention in its application to refugee children and children who are internationally displaced as a result of disturbances occurring in their country of origin, Australia does not accept that it is bound by the recommendation in respect of refugee children made in October 1994 by the Special Commission on Implementation of the Hague Convention of 29 May 1993 on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption.

Azerbeidzjan, 22 juni 2004

In accordance with Articles 17, 21 and 28 of the Convention, the Republic of Azerbaijan declares that only children adopted by virtue of an enforceable judgment of a court may leave the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

In accordance with Article 22, paragraph 4, of the Convention, the Republic of Azerbaijan declares that the adoption of children with habitual residence on the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan may only be made if the functions of the Central Authority are performed in accordance with Article 22, paragraph 1, of the Convention.

In accordance with Article 25 of the Convention, the Republic of Azerbaijan declares that it will not be bound to recognize adoptions made on the basis of agreements concluded pursuant to Article 39, paragraph 2, to which the Republic of Azerbaijan is not a Party.

Belarus, 17 juli 2003

The Central Authority’s powers volume alongside with those that are stipulated by the Convention, are also defined by the legally-juridical Acts of Belarus regulating the relations in the field of the international adoption:

• The Code of Belarus on Marriage and Family (Chapter 13 and Article 233);

• The Provision on the Order of Adoption Children and Establishment of Trusteeship, Guardianship Over Them by Foreign Citizens, Persons Without Citizenship and Citizens of Belarus, Permanently Residing in Territory of Foreign State (adopted by the Decision of the Government of Belarus No 1679 of October 28, 1999) and

• The Charter of the National Center of Adoption at the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus.

According to the specified Provision with a view to protect the rights and freedoms of adopted children the Central Authority receives in established order the consent of the Ministry of Education of Belarus for an adoption of children by candidates to the adoptive parents, living on the territory of those foreign states only, competent bodies of which:

• a) Have agreed with Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus the procedure for international adoption in accordance with the specified Provision;

• b) Have presented a warranty-letter on obligatory informing the National Center of adoption about conditions of life and education in the family of adoptive parents of each adopted child. The given information should be presented two times per year during three years period since the time of adoption. The specified warranty-letter should be testified by the competent bodies of relevant foreign state not less than once time per year.

The Republic of Belarus declares, that adoption of children permanently residing on its territory, can occur only in that case when functions of the Central Authority are carried out according to point 1 of Article 22 of the Convention.

België, 27 januari 1999

This Convention engages both the French and the German-speaking Community.

The Convention is also signed by the Flemish Community.

België, 26 mei 2005

In accordance with article 22, paragraph 4, of the Convention, Belgium declares that adoptions of children habitually resident in its territory may only take place if the functions of the Central Authorities are performed in accordance with article 22, paragraph 1, of the Convention.

In accordance with article 23, paragraph 2, Belgium declares that, when the adoption is made in Belgium, the Service de l’Adoption internationale of the Service public fédéral Justice is the only competent authority to make the certification referred to in article 23, paragraph 1.

Bolivia, 10 november 2000

Article 9 (a)

The Government of Bolivia wishes to point out that, by virtue of the provisions of article 72 of the Código Niño, Niña y Adolescente (Code on Children and Adolescents), it is not possible, for reasons of confidentiality, to exchange information about the situation of the child prior to adoption.

Article 15 (1)

Regarding the information to be included in the report prepared by the Central Authority of the receiving State concerning the characteristics of the children for whom the applicants would be qualified to care, this refers to the number of children for whom they would be qualified to care.

Article 16 (a) and (b)

The Government of Bolivia wishes to point out that, in accordance with Bolivian regulations, the Poder Ejecutivo Departamental (Departmental Executive), via the Servicios de Gestión social (Social Services), shall be responsible for preparing medical, pyschological and social reports; likewise, in accordance with the provisions of article 298 of the new Code, the interdisciplinary youth team shall be responsible for issuing or approving the technical report, provided the application has been accepted.

Article 19

It should be pointed out that the transfer of the child should take place in the company of the adoptive parents and in accordance with the provisions laid down in the Code and the provisions of Article 17 of the Convention.

Bolivia, 29 november 2001

The Government of Bolivia has decided to retract its declaration and reservation referring to Article 9 (a) and 16 of the Convention.

Bolivia, 20 november 2002

[…] that countries whose nationals wish to adopt children resident in Bolivia, under the provisions of the Convention on protection of children and cooperation in respect of intercountry adoption, should state through diplomatic channels that they are a party to the said Convention and supply details of their Central Authority. This information will be forwarded to the Vice Ministry for Children and Youth Affairs, part of the Ministry for Rural, Indigenous, Gender and Family Affairs, which is Bolivia’s Central Authority in the matter of intercountry adoptions.

The adoption agencies should then contact the Vice Ministry in order to conclude a framework agreement.

Brazilië, 16 mei 2000

In compliance with Article 22(4) of the Convention, and at the request of the relevant Brazilian judiciary authorities, the Embassy informs the Ministry that the adoption of children with residence in the Brazilian territory will only be dealt with as stated in paragraph 1 of the above-mentioned Article.

Bulgarije, 15 mei 2002

In accordance with Article 2 of the Convention, the Republic of Bulgaria declares that the adoption of child with habitual residence in the Republic of Bulgaria shall be made only in accordance with the internal law of the State whose citizens the child is.

In accordance with articles 17, 21, 28 of the Convention, the Republic of Bulgaria declares that only children adopted by virtue of an enforceable judgement of a Bulgarian court may leave the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.

In accordance with the Article 22, paragraph 4, of the Convention, the Republic of Bulgaria declares that the adoption of children with habitually residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria may only be made if the functions of the Central Authority of the receiving country are performed in accordance with Article 22, paragraph 1, of the Convention.

Declaration pursuant to Article 25:

In accordance with the Convention, the Republic of Bulgaria declares that it will not be bound to recognize adoptions made on the basis of agreements concluded pursuant to Article 39, paragraph 2 to which the Republic of Bulgaria is not a Party.

In accordance with Article 34 of the Convention, the Republic of Bulgaria declares that all documents addressed for the purpose of application of the Convention, should be accompanied by an official translation in the Bulgarian language.

Burkina Faso, 19 april 1994

The Government of Burkina Faso declares that the Institution for Custody that has been designated for supervision of the present Convention refuses to work with any organisation or association acting as an intermediary in matters of adoption.

Burkina Faso, 11 januari 1996

The Government of Burkina Faso will only work with the intermediary associations recognized by the Hague Conference.

Canada, 19 december 1996

The Government of Canada declares, in accordance with Article 45, that the Convention shall extend to British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan, and that it may modify this declaration by submitting another declaration at any time.

The Government of Canada also declares, in accordance with Article 22.2, that the functions of the Central Authority in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan may be performed by bodies and persons meeting the conditions set forth in this article.

The Government of Canada declares, in accordance with Article 22.4, that adoptions of children habitually resident in British Columbia may only take place if the functions of the Central Authorities are performed by public authorities or bodies accredited under Chapter III.

The Government of Canada further declares that it understands that customary forms of care practised by Aboriginal people of Canada are not within the scope of Article 2 of the Convention.

Canada, 23 juli 1997

The Government of Canada further declares, in accordance with Article 45, that the Convention shall extend to Alberta, and that it may modify this declaration by submitting another declaration at any time.

Canada, 24 april 1998

The Government of Canada further declares, in accordance with Article 45, that the Convention shall extend to the Yukon Territory, and that it may modify this declaration by submitting another declaration at any time.

The Government of Canada also declares, in accordance with Article 22.2, that the functions of the Central Authority in the Yukon Territory may be performed by bodies and persons meeting the conditions set forth in this article.

Canada, 21 juni 1999

The Government of Canada declares, in accordance with Article 45, that the Convention shall now extend to Nova Scotia, in addition to Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon, and that it may modify this declaration by submitting another declaration at any time.

The Government of Canada also declares, in accordance with Article 22.2, that the functions of the Central Authority in Nova Scotia may be performed by bodies and persons meeting the conditions set forth in this article.

Canada, 6 augustus 1999

The Government of Canada declares, in accordance with Article 45, that the Convention shall now extend to Ontario in addition to Alberta and the Yukon, and that it may modify this declaration by submitting another declaration at any time.

The Government of Canada also declares, in accordance with Article 22.2, that the functions of the Central Authority in Ontario may be performed by bodies and persons meeting the conditions set forth in this article.

Canada, 22 december 1999

The Government of Canada declares, in accordance with Article 45, that the Convention shall now extend to the Northwest Territories, in addition to Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon, and that it may modify this declaration by submitting another declaration at any time.

The Government of Canada also declares, in accordance with Article 22.2, that the functions of the Central Authority in the Northwest Territories may be performed by bodies and persons meeting the conditions set forth in this Article.

Canada, 15 mei 2001

The Government of Canada declares, in accordance with Article 45, that the Convention shall now extend to Nunavut, in addition to Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, the Yukon and Northwest Territories, and that it may modify this declaration by submitting another declaration at any time.

The Government of Canada also declares, in accordance with Article 22.2, that the functions of the Central Authority in Nunavut may be performed by bodies and persons meeting the conditions set forth in this Article.

Canada, 15 augustus 2003

The Government of Canada declares, in accordance with Article 45, that the Convention shall now extend to the Newfoundland and Labrador, in addition to Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, and that it may modify this declaration by submitting another declaration at any time.

The Government of Canada also declares, in accordance with Article 22.2, that the functions of the Central Authority in Newfoundland and Labrador may be performed by bodies and persons meeting the conditions set forth in this Article.

Canada, 28 oktober 2005

The Government of Canada declares, in accordance with Article 45, that the Convention shall now extend to Quebec, in addition to Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, and that it may modify this declaration by submitting another declaration at any time.

The Government of Canada also declares, in accordance with Article 22.2, that the functions of the Central Authority in Quebec may be performed by bodies and persons meeting the conditions set forth in this Article.

Canada, 8 december 2005

The Government of Canada also declares, in accordance with Article 22.4, the adoptions of children habitually resident in Québec may only take place if the functions of the Central Authorities are performed by public authorities or by bodies accredited under Chapter III.

The Government of Canada also declares, in accordance with Article 25, that adoptions made in accordance with an agreement concluded by application of Article 39, paragraph 2 will not be bound to be recognized in Quebec under the Convention.

Canada, 14 april 2008

The Government of Canada also declares that it is modifying the declaration deposited on October 28, 2005 by withdrawing the declaration made in accordance with Article 22.2, regarding Quebec.

China, 16 september 2005

The functions of the Central Authority under Article 15 to 21 will be performed by the adoption body accredited by the Government of the People’s Republic of China – China Center for Adoption Affairs (CCAA). Adoptions of children habitually resident in the People’s Republic of China may only take place if the functions of Central Authorities are performed by public authorities of the receiving States or competent bodies accredited by them.

The People’s Republic of China is not bound under this Convention to recognize adoptions made in accordance with an agreement concluded by application of Article 39, paragraph 2.

In accordance with Article 22(4) of the Convention, the adoption of children habitually resident in the Macau Special Administrative Region of the PRC may only take place if the functions of the Central Authorities are performed by public authorities or bodies accredited under Chapter III of the Convention.

In accordance with the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC, the Government of the PRC decides that the Convention applies to the Hong Kong Special Region of the PRC.

In accordance with the Basic Law of the Macau Special Administrative Region of the PRC, the Government of the PRC decides that the Convention applies to the Macau Special Administrative Region of the PRC.

China, 7 oktober 2005

In accordance with Article 22(4) of the Convention, the adoption of children habitually resident in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China may only take place if the functions of the Central Authorities are performed by public authorities or bodies accredited under Chapter III of the Convention.

In accordance with Article 25, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China is not bound under this Convention to recognize adoptions made in accordance with an agreement concluded by application of Article 39, paragraph 2.

Colombia, 13 juli 1998

In accordance with Articles 17, 21 and 28 of the Convention, the Government of Colombia declares that only those children previously adopted according to an enforceable judgment may leave Colombian national territory.

In accordance with Article 22, paragraph 4, of the Convention, Colombia declares that adoptions of children habitually resident in Colombia may only take place if the functions of the Central Authorities are performed in accordance with Article 22, paragraph 1 of the Convention.

The Government of the Republic of Colombia reserves the right to withdraw the declarations made and to submit others to the Depositary of the Convention, in accordance with Articles 22, 23, 25 and 45 of the Convention.

Only the bodies, accredited in accordance with Article 22, paragraph 2, of the Convention, may in addition to the Central Authority, perform in Colombia the functions referred to in Article 15 to 19 of the Convention. No mention is made of Articles 20 and 21 in view of the fact that, under Colombian legislation on adoption, an adopted minor cannot leave the country until the judgment ordering the adoption has become final insofar as the adoption process takes place in Colombia only.

Denemarken, 2 juli 1997

Denmark made the declaration provided for in article 25 and the declaration provided for in article 22, paragraph 4, of the Convention.

Denmark declared that the Convention, till further decision, shall not apply to the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

Denemarken, 18 december 2006

Denmark therefore withdraws its declaration made upon ratification of the Convention to the effect that the Convention did not apply to the Faroe Islands.

Denemarken, 28 januari 2010

Denmark therefore withdraws its declaration made upon ratification of the Convention to the effect that the Convention did not apply to Greenland.

Duitsland, 22 november 2001

The Federal Republic of Germany declares that adoptions of children habitually resident in the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany may only take place if the functions of the Central Authorities are performed in accordance with article 22 paragraph 1 of the Convention.

El Salvador, 17 november 1998

In accordance with articles 17, 21 and 28, the Salvadorean Government declares that a minor subject to adoption proceedings cannot leave national territory until an adoption order has been handed down by the competent court;

In accordance with article 22 (4), the Salvadorean Government declares that adoptions of minors habitually resident in El Salvador may take place only if the functions of the Central Authorities are performed in accordance with article 22 (1) of the Convention;

In accordance with article 34, the Salvadorean Government declares that all documentation transmitted to El Salvador must be accompanied by an official translation into Spanish;

In accordance with article 2, of the Convention, the Salvadorean Government declares that adoptions of minors habitually resident in El Salvador may take place only in accordance with the internal laws of the State of origin.

Frankrijk, 30 juni 1998

In accordance with article 22, paragraph 4, France declares that adoptions of children who are habitually resident in France may only take place if the functions of the Central Authorities are performed by public authorities or bodies accredited under Chapter III of the Convention.

In accordance with article 25, France declares that it will not be bound under the Convention to recognise adoptions made in accordance with an agreement concluded by application of article 39, paragraph 2.

In accordance with article 45, France declares that the Convention shall extend to the whole of the territory of the French Republic, with the exception of its overseas territories.

Griekenland, 2 september 2009

Greece declares that the functions of the Central Authority provided for in articles 15 to 21 of the Convention may be performed by the following Agencies and Organizations, mentioned in the provision of article 1, paragraph 2 of presidential decree 226/1999 (Government Gazette No. 190 A), which are recognized as specialized […].

In accordance with Article 22, paragraph 4 of the Convention, the Hellenic Republic declares that the adoption of children habitually resident in the territory of the Hellenic Republic may only take place where the functions of the Central Authorities are performed by public authorities or accredited bodies under Chapter III of the Convention.

In accordance with Article 25 of the Convention, the Hellenic Republic declares that it will not be bound under the Convention to recognize adoptions made in accordance with an agreement concluded by application of Article 39, paragraph 2 of the Convention.

The recognition by Greece of an adoption effected in a foreign Contracting State is subject to the following conditions: a) the granting of a certificate by the Competent Authority of the Contracting State that the adoption took place in accordance with the Convention and b) the adoption is not obviously contrary to the public order, taking into account the best interest of the child.

Hongarije, 6 april 2005

In accordance with Paragraph 4 of Article 22 of the Convention, adoptions of children habitually resident in the territory of the Republic of Hungary may only take place if the functions of the Central Authorities are performed in accordance with Paragraph 1 of Article 22.

Italië, 18 januari 2000

In accordance with Article 22, paragraph 2 of the Convention, the Government of the Italian Republic declares that the functions of the Central Authority under Articles 15 to 21 may also be performed, to the extent permitted by law and subject to supervision by the Italian Central Authority, by institutions or organisations which meet the conditions set out in Article 22.2 (a) and (b) of the Convention, in accordance with Article 39 ter of law no. 184 governing adoption of 4 May 1983, as amended by law no. 476 of 31 December 1998.

In accordance with Article 39 of law no. 184 of 1983 (as amended) the National Board has the following functions in addition to certifying that an adoption has been made in accordance with the Convention:

• a) cooperating with Central Authorities for intercountry adoptions in other countries, and gathering information required for implementing international conventions on adoption;

• b) proposing bilateral agreements on intercountry adoptions;

• c) authorising the activities of institutions operating under Articles 15 to 21 of the Convention and maintaining the register of these institutions; monitoring their work, evaluating it at least once every three years, and revoking their authorisation in case of serious errors, shortcomings, or breaches of law no.184 of 1983. These same functions are carried out by the National Board with regard to the activities of the intercountry adoption services as set out in Article 39 bis of law no.184 of 1983.

• d) ensuring the even dispersal of authorised institutions around the national territory and of relevant representations abroad;

• e) holding all documents and information regarding intercountry adoption procedures;

• f) promoting cooperation between organisations dealing with intercountry adoption and child protection;

• g) encouraging training initiatives for persons working or wishing to work in the adoption field;

• h) authorising the entry and permanent residence of foreign minors who have been adopted or are awaiting adoption;

• i) cooperating with other organisations than those referred to in (a) above, for information and training activities.

In accordance with Article 25 of the Convention, the Government of the Italian Republic declares that the Convention obliges it to recognise adoptions made in accordance with an agreement concluded between a Contracting State and one or more other Contracting States by application of Article 39, paragraph 2 of the Convention, provided this obligation is reciprocal.

Letland, 9 augustus 2002

In accordance with the Article 23, paragraph 2 of the Convention the Republic of Latvia declares that the judgement on approval of adoption delivered by the court is deemed to be the certification of adoption in the terms of Article 23, of paragraph 1 of the Convention.

Liechtenstein, 26 januari 2009

Declaration concerning Article 22 paragraph 4

The Principality of Liechtenstein declares that adoptions of children habitually resident in its territory may only take place if the functions of the Central Authority are performed in accordance with Article 22 paragraph 1 of the Convention.

Declaration concerning Article 25

The Principality of Liechtenstein declares that it will not be bound to recognise adoptions made in accordance with an Agreement concluded by application of Article 39 paragraph 2 of the Convention.

Luxemburg, 5 juli 2002

In accordance with article 22, paragraph 4, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg declares that adoptions of children habitually resident in its territory may only take place if the functions of the Central Authority are performed by public authorities or bodies accredited under Chapter III of the Convention.

In accordance with article 23, paragraph 2, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg declares that the court that gave the adoption decision, said decision having the status of res judicata, will be competent to make the certification referred to in article 23, paragraph 1 of the Convention if the adoption took place in Luxembourg.

In accordance with article 25, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg declares that it will not be bound under the Convention to recognise adoptions made in accordance with an agreement concluded by application of article 39, paragraph 2.

Mexico, 14 september 1994

In connection with Articles 17, 21 and 28, the Government of Mexico declares that only such children as have previously been adopted through Mexican family courts may be transfered outside Mexico.

In connection with Article 34, the Government of Mexico declares that all documents sent to Mexico in pursuance of the Convention must be accompanied by an official translation into Spanish.

Montenegro, 9 maart 2012

Montenegro declares that:

• a) in accordance with article 22 paragraph 4 of the Convention, Montenegro declares that adoptions of children habitually resident in its territory may only take place if the functions of the Central Authorities are performed in accordance with article 22 paragraph 1;

[…]

• c) in accordance with article 25 of the Convention, Montenegro declares that Montenegro will not be bound under this Convention to recognize adoptions made in accordance with an agreement concluded by application of article 39, paragraph 2;

• d) in accordance with article 34 of the Convention, Montenegro declares that a certified translation into Montenegrin language of all documents must be furnished.

Nederlanden, het Koninkrijk der, 18 oktober 2010

The Kingdom of the Netherlands consisted of three parts: the Netherlands, the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. The Netherlands Antilles consisted of the islands of Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.

With effect from 10 October 2010, the Netherlands Antilles ceased to exist as a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Since that date, the Kingdom consists of four parts: the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten.

Curaçao and Sint Maarten enjoy internal self-government within the Kingdom, as Aruba and, up to 10 October 2010, the Netherlands Antilles do. The other islands of the Netherlands Antilles – Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba – are administratively integrated in the Netherlands, forming ’the Caribbean part of the Netherlands’.

These changes constitute a modification of the internal constitutional relations within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Kingdom of the Netherlands will accordingly remain the subject of international law with which agreements are concluded.

The Convention, that applied until now only to the European part of the Netherlands, is declared applicable to the Caribbean part of the Netherlands. The Government of the Netherlands is responsible for implementing the Convention.

Noorwegen, 25 september 1997

In accordance with Article 22 paragraph 4 of the Convention, the Government or Norway declares:

Adoption of children habitually resident in Norway may only take place if the functions of the Central Authorities are performed by public authorities or bodies accredited under Chapter III of the Convention.

Noorwegen, 4 oktober 2005

The Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs issues certificates in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 23, when the adoption has taken place in Norway or when a foreign adoption order has been converted into an adoption in Norway in accordance with Article 27.

Oostenrijk, 19 mei 1999

The Republic of Austria declares in accordance with Article 22 para. 4 of the Convention that adoptions of children habitually resident in its territory may only take place if the functions of the Central Authorities are performed in accordance with Article 22 para. 1.

Panama, 29 september 1999

Declaration pursuant to article 22.4.

In accordance with article 22, paragraph 4 of the Convention, the Republic of Panama declares that the adoption of children habitually resident in the territory of the Republic of Panama may take place provided that the functions assigned to the Central Authority are performed in accordance with paragraph 1 of the above-mentioned article.

[…]

Declaration pursuant to article 25.

The Republic of Panama does not recognise adoptions made in accordance with an agreement concluded between one or more Contracting States by application of article 39, paragraph 2, of the present Convention.

Polen, 9 september 1998

According to Article 22, paragraph 4 of the Convention, the Republic of Poland declares that the adoptions of children habitually resident in the territory of the Republic of Poland may only take place if the functions of the Central Authorities of the receiving States are performed in accordance with Article 22, paragraph 1 of the Convention.

Portugal, 19 maart 2004

The Portuguese Republic hereby declares that, according to paragraph 4 of Article 22 of the Convention, adoptions of children habitually resident in its territory may only take place if the functions of the Central authorities are performed in accordance with paragraph 1 of the same Article.

Spanje, 11 juli 1995

[…]

Exception provided for by article 22 (4);

Children habitually resident in Spain may only be adopted by residents of those States in which the functions of the Central Authorities are performed by public authorities or by accredited bodies in accordance with article 22, paragraph 1, of the Convention.

Venezuela, 10 januari 1997

The Republic of Venezuela declares it is in agreement with the provisions of Article 22 of the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption, whereby only the Authority can exercise the functions assigned to it in Section Four of the Convention, that is, any delegation thereof is not permitted.

The Republic of Venezuela also declared that on the basis of the provisions of Article 25 of the Convention it does not consider itself obliged to recognise the adoptions which take place by virtue of the special agreements contained in paragraph 2 of Article 39.

Verenigd Koninkrijk, 29 april 2003

Pursuant to Article 25 of the Convention, the United Kingdom declares that it will not be bound to recognise any agreements made under Article 39, paragraph 2.

Verenigd Koninkrijk, 1 juli 2003

Pursuant to Article 25 of the Convention, the United Kingdom declares on behalf of the Isle of Man that it will not be bound to recognise any agreements made under Article 39, paragraph 2.

Verenigde Staten van Amerika, 12 december 2007

The United States declares that the provisions of Articles 1 through 39 of the Convention are not self-executing.

The United States declares, pursuant to Article 22(2), that in the United States the Central Authority functions under Articles 15-21 may also be performed by bodies or persons meeting the requirements of Articles 22(2)(a) and (b). Such bodies or persons will be subject to federal law and regulations implementing the Convention as well as state licensing and other laws and regulations applicable to providers of adoption services. The performance of Central Authority functions by such approved adoption service providers would be subject to the supervision of the competent federal and state authorities in the United States.

Zweden, 28 mei 1997

The Government of Sweden declares, in accordance with Article 22.4, that adoptions of children habitually resident in Sweden may only take place if the functions of the Central Authorities are performed by public authorities or bodies accredited under Chapter III.

Zwitserland, 24 september 2002

Declaration pursuant to article 22

Switzerland declares that the adoption of children whose habitual place of residence is situated on Swiss territory may only take place if the functions of the Central Authority are exercised in accordance with the provisions of article 22, paragraph 1 of the Convention.

Declaration pursuant to article 25

Switzerland declares that it will not be bound under the Convention to recognise adoptions made in accordance with an agreement concluded by application of article 39, paragraph 2.

Autoriteiten¹⁾

Andorra, 1 januari 2002

Pursuant to Article 6 of the Convention, the Government of the Principality of Andorra designates the following authority as the Central Authority to discharge the duties imposed by the Convention on such authorities:

Adoption service

Department of Social Services

Ministry of Social Affairs and Culture

Pursuant to Article 23.2 of the Convention, the Principality of Andorra declares that the authority competent by virtue of the provisions of Article 23.1 to certify adoptions as having been made in accordance with the Convention shall be the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Andorra.

Andorra, 20 augustus 2007

Central Authority (modification):

Ministry of Health, Welfare, Family and Housing

Armenië, 12 februari 2008

Notification of the Republic of Armenia on Central and other authorities prescribed by the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption.

According to the RA Law on Acts of Civil Status in the Republic of Armenia the authorities of civil status acts’ registry (CSAR) have right to give certificates prescribed by the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption.

The functions of the abovementioned authorities are the following:

• to make state registration of birth, death, marriage, divorce, paternity, adoption and change of name; as well as

• to make amendments, supplements and corrections in the mentioned registrations;

• to make void those registrations;

• to reinstate the lost registrations;

• to manage and keep the registers of civil status acts;

• to provide certificates’ copies and documents affirming the state registration of civil status acts.

In accordance with the Article 6 of the Convention the Central Authority of the Republic of Armenia shall be the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia.

Australië, 25 augustus 1998

Pursuant to Article 6 of the Convention, Australia designates

The Secretary

Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department

as a Central Authority for the purposes of the Convention and as the Central Authority to which any communication may be adressed for transmission to other Central Authorities in Australia. The Secretary to the Attorney-General’s Department may discharge duties imposed by the Convention on Central Authorities other than:

• a) processing day to day casework involved in a particular adoption;

• b) approving an application for the adoption of a child;

• c) giving consent to the adoption of a child;

• d) accrediting a body for the purposes of Chapter III of the Convention;

• e) revoking the accreditation of a body for the purposes of Chapter III of the Convention.

Pursuant to Articles 6 and 23.2 of the Convention, Australia designates the following authorities to discharge duties as Central Authorities in the relevant State or Territory and as authorities competent by virtue of the provisions of Article 23.1 to certify adoptions as having been made in accordance with the Convention:

For the State of New South Wales:

Manager, Adoption Services

New South Wales Department of Community Services

For the State of Victoria:

Manager, Adoption and Permanent Care

Victorian Department of Human Services

For the State of Queensland:

Manager, Adoption Services

Queensland Department of Families, Youth and Community Care

For the State of Western Australia:

Manager, Adoption Services

Western Australian Department of Family and Children’s Services

For the State of South Australia:

Manager, Adoption and Family Information Service

South Australian Department of Human Services

For the State of Tasmania:

Manager, Adoption Services

Tasmanian Department of Community and Health Services

For the Northern Territory:

Manager, Adoptions and Placement Support Unit

Northern Territory Health Services

For the Australian Capital Territory

Co-ordinator, Intercountry Adoption Service

Australian Capital Territory Family Services Bureau

For the Territory of Norfolk Island:

Program Manager, Community Services

The Administration of Norfolk Island

Azerbeidzjan, 22 juni 2004

In accordance with Article 6, paragraph 1, of the Convention, the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan is designated as the Central Authority.

In accordance with Article 23, paragraph 2, of the Convention, the Republic of Azerbaijan declares that the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan is competent to make the certificate for adoption.

Azerbeidzjan, 3 december 2007

[…] the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan has been authorized as the central body responsible for confirmation of inter-country adoptions in the Republic of Azerbaijan and for discharging the duties which are imposed by the ’Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Inter-country Adoption’ upon it.

Azerbeidzjan, 12 juni 2010

Central Authority (additional information):

State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs

The sector of Intercountry Adoption

Head of the Sector Intercountry Adoption

Belarus, 17 juli 2003

The National Center of Adoption at the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus is designated as the Central Authority of the Republic of Belarus to discharge the duties which are imposed by the Convention.

The National Center of Adoption at the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus is the competent body in the Republic of Belarus to issue certifying document.

België, 26 mei 2005

Central Belgian Authorities:

Federal State

The Central Federal Authority is the “Service de l’Adoption international” established within the “Service Public Fédéral Justice”.

This is the Authority to which all communications may be addressed for transmission to the competent Central Authority in the State of Belgium.

Service de l’Adoption internationale, Service public fédéral Justice,

Direction générale de la Législation et des Libertés et Droits fondamentaux

Communities

• 1. French Community

  Autorité centrale communautaire, Ministère de la Communauté française,

  Direction générale Aide à la Jeunesse

  This Authority is competent within the French-speaking region and with regard to institutions established within the bilingual regions of the capital, Brussels, which, in view of their organisation, must be considered to belong exclusively to the French Community.

• 2. Flemish Community

  Kind en Gezin

  This Authority is competent in the Dutch-speaking region and with regard to institutions established within the bilingual regions of the capital, Brussels, which, in view of their organisation, must be considered to belong exclusively to the Flemish Community.

• 3. German-speaking Community

  Ministerium der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft

  Zentrale Behörde der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft für Adoptionen

  This Authority is competent in the German-speaking region.

Belize, 15 maart 2007

[…] the Department of Human Services of the Ministry of Human Development has been designated as the Central Authority for Belize under the said Hague Convention.

Bolivia, 11 november 2002

Central Authority:

Vice Ministry for Children and Youth Affairs as part of the Ministry for Rural, Indigenous, Gender and Family Affairs.

Bolivia, 13 augustus 2004

Central Authority (modification):

[…] the Viceministry of Youth, Children and Third Age, who has full faculties to grant certificates in accordance to legal sentences executed by Judges of Youths and Adolescents.

Bolivia, 28 april 2011

Central Authority (modification):

[…] Viceministry of Equal Opportunities

General Direction of Youth, Children and Adults

Brazilië, 24 september 2010

Central Authority:

Federal Central Administrative Authority

Special Secretariat of Human Rights

Presidency of the Republic

Bulgarije, 15 mei 2002

[…]

In accordance with Article 6, paragraph 1 of the Convention, the Republic of Bulgaria designates as Central Authority the Ministry of Justice.

[…]

In accordance with Article 23, paragraph 2, of the Convention, the Republic of Bulgaria declares that the Central Authority is competent to deliver the certificate for adoption referred to in Article 23, paragraph 1, of the Convention.

Burkina Faso, 11 januari 1996

Central Authority:

the Ministry of Social Action and Family

Burundi, 4 juni 2012

Central Authority:

The Ministry of National Solidarity, Human Rights and Gender

The Director of Children and Familily

Cambodja, 20 september 2007

Central Authority to discharge the duties which are imposed by the Convention […] which is competent to make the certification in respect of Intercountry Adoption:

Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation.

Canada, 23 juli 1997

The Government of Canada wishes to notify that, in accordance with Article 23.2, the Alberta Authority is the competent authority to make the certification envisaged in Article 23.1.

Canada, 22 december 1999

Central Authority for the Northwest Territories:

Director of Adoptions

Child and Family Services

Department of Health and Social Services

Canada, 15 mei 2001

For the purpose of Article 6 of the Convention and according to Nunavut’s Intercountry Adoption Act, the Central Authority for Nunavut is:

Director of Adoptions

Social Services Unit

Department of Health and Social Services

Canada, 15 augustus 2003

Central Authority for Newfoundland and Labrador:

Director of Child, Youth and Family Services

Department of Justice

Canada, 28 oktober 2005

Central Authority for Québec:

Ministry of Health and Social Services

Secretariat for International Adoption

China, 16 september 2005

Ministry of Civil Affairs of the People’s Republic of China is the Central Authority of the People’s Republic of China to discharge all duties imposed by the Convention.

In accordance with Article 6 of the Convention, the Government of the PRC designates the following authority as Central Authority in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to discharge all duties imposed by the Convention:

Director of Social Welfare

c/o Chief Social Work Officer (Family & Welfare) 2

Social Welfare Department

In accordance with Article 6 and Article 23(2) of the Convention, the Government of the PRC designates the following authority as the competent authority in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to issue an Adoption Certificate:

The Register, High Court

High Court

In accordance with Article 6 and Article 23(2) of the Convention, the Government of the PRC designates the following authority as Central Authority in the Macau Special Administrative Region to discharge all duties imposed by the Convention as well as to issue an Adoption Certificate:

Instituto de Accao Social (Social Welfare Bureau of the Department of Social Affairs and Culture).

The civil affairs organs of the provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities directly under the Central Government where the prolonged residence of the adopted child is located are the competent authorities of the People’s Republic of China to issue an adoption certificate, which may be by the name of Adoption Registration Certificate.

Colombia, 13 juli 1998

In accordance with Articles 6 and 13 of the Convention, the Government of Colombia designates as Central Authority:

The Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar -ICBF- Division de Adopciones

(Colombian Institute of Family Welfare, Adoptions Division)

In accordance with Article 22, paragraph 2, of the Convention, the Colombian Government declares that the functions conferred upon the Central Authority under Articles 15 to 19 may also be performed in Colombia, to the extent permitted by the law and subject to the supervision of the competent authorities of Colombia […].

In accordance with Article 23, paragraph 2, of the Convention, the Government of Colombia declares that the authority competent to issue adoption certificates under the Convention shall be the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare, (ICBF), Adoptions Division.

[…]

Colombia, 7 februari 2000

Central Authority:

Colombian Family Welfare Institute

Direct Interventions Division

Colombia, 4 maart 2003

Central Authority (modification):

Colombian Family Welfare Institute

Direct Interventions Division

and/or

Directorate-General

Costa Rica, 30 oktober 1995

In accordance with Article 6 of the Convention Costa Rica has designated the following Authority:

the “Consejo Nacional de Adopciones”, organ of the “Patronato Nacional de la Infancia”.

Cuba, 20 juli 2007

The Central Authority designated to discharge the duties imposed by the Convention, as well as the competent authority to certify the adoption, pursuant to the Convention, is the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Cuba.

Cyprus, 20 februari 1995

Cyprus has designated in accordance with Article 13 the “Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance“ as the Central Authority and in accordance with Article 23, paragraph 2, the “Director of the Department of Social Welfare Services“ as the Competent Authority.

Denemarken, 20 oktober 1997

The certificate referred to in Article 23, paragraph 1, stating that an adoption has been made in accordance with the Convention is issued by the Governor’s office in the county in which the applicants reside, in connection with the grant for adoption issued by the said office.

Denmark has the following County Governors:

Prefect of Copenhagen

Governor of Copenhagen County

Governor of Bornholm County

Governor of Frederiksborg County

Governor of the County of Funen

Governor of the County of North Jutland

Governor of Ribe County

Governor of Ringkøbing County

Governor of Roskilde County

Governor of Storstrøm County

Governor of the County of South Jutland

Governor of Vejle County

Governor of the County of West Zealand

Governor of Viborg County

Governor of Århus County

Denemarken, 5 februari 2007

The compentent authorities (Art. 23) changed from Governors offices to Regional State Administrations. In Denmark we have five Regional State Administrations:

The Regional State Administration for Greater Copenhagen

The Regional State Administration for Zealand

The Regional State Administration for North Jutland

The Regional State Administration for Southern Denmark

The Regional State Administration for Central Jutland

Dominicaanse Republiek, 31 januari 2007

[…] the authority which is competent to make certifications, pursuant to Article 23, paragraph 2, of the Convention above stated is:

National Council for Childhood and Adolescence

Dominicaanse Republiek, 2 oktober 2007

Central Authority:

The National Council for the Childhood and Adolescence (CONANI)

Duitsland, 17 juni 2002

Central Authority:

Der Generalbundesanwalt beim Bundesgerichtshof

– Bundeszentralstelle für Auslandsadoption –

Duitsland, 27 februari 2006

Landesamt für Gesundheit und Soziales Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Abteilung Jugend und Familie/Landesjugendamt

Duitsland, 9 januari 2009

Competent authorities:

Certificates under Article 23 paragraph 1 of the Convention are issued by

• a) the Central Authority that gave its approval as required by Article 17 sub-paragraph c) of the Convention, or

• b) the Central Authority responsible for the youth welfare office, or with which the accredited body is registered, should one of these bodies have given the approval.

Ecuador, 7 september 1995

Ecuador has designated in accordance with Article 23, paragraph 2, as competent Authority:

Corte Nacional de Menores

Ecuador, 2 juni 2008

Central Authority

National Council for Children and Adolescents

El Salvador, 17 november 1998

In accordance with article 6 (1), the Salvadorean Government designates as Central Authorities: Instituto de Protección al Menor (ISPM), la Procuraduría General de la República (PGR).

In accordance with article 23 (2), of the Convention, the Salvadorean Government declares that the authority competent to issue adoption certificates under the Convention is the Procuraduría General de la República (PGR).

Estland, 22 februari 2002

• 1. Pursuant to Article 6 of the Convention the Republic of Estonia designates as the Central Authority the Ministry of Social Affairs;

• 2. Pursuant to Article 23, paragraph 2 of the Convention the Republic of Estonia notifies, that the Ministry of Social Affairs is the competent authority to make the certification of adoption.

Fiji, 29 april 2012

Central and competent Authority:

Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation.

Filipijnen, 2 juli 1996

The Philippines have designated in accordance with Article 23, paragraph 2 “the Office of the Solicitor General of the Philippines” as competent Authority.

Filipijnen, 20 februari 2006

[…] it shall be the Central Authority of the Philippines, the Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB) which shall issue the Conformity/Compliance Document in abidance to Chapter V, Article 23 of The Hague Convention.

Finland, 27 maart 1997

The Government of the Republic of Finland have the honour to notify that the competence to make the certification referred to in Article 23 paragraph 1 rests with the court that has affirmed the adoption.

Frankrijk, 30 juni 1998

In accordance with article 6, paragraph 1, France designates as Central Authority:

The Central Authority for intercountry adoption whose secretariat is provided by the “Mission de l’adoption international”.

In accordance with article 23, France declares that the Mission de l’adoption internationale, is the competent authority for the purpose of issuing the certificates referred to in article 23, paragraph 1 of the Convention in cases where adoption takes place in France or when an adoption granted in another State is converted in France pursuant to article 27, paragraph 2.

Frankrijk, 24 april 2009

Central Authority (modification)

Service de l’Adoption Internationale (SAI), Central Authority

Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

Competent authority (art. 23)

Service de l’Adoption Internationale (SAI), Central Authority

Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

Georgië, 9 april 1999

Central Authority:

Ministry of Education of Georgia

Georgië, 30 juli 2007

Central Authority in accordance with Article 6 (modification):

Ministry of Education and Science

Georgië, 17 februari 2009

Central Authority (modification):

The Social Service Agency

(Ministry of Health Labor and Social Affairs)

Griekenland, 2 september 2009

In accordance with Article 6, paragraph 1 of the Convention, the Hellenic Republic designates as Central Authority for the implementation of the obligations imposed by the Convention the Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity.

[…]

In accordance with Article 23, paragraph 2 of the Convention, the Hellenic Republic declares that the Competent Authority to certify that the adoption took place in accordance with the Convention, is the competent Court that issued the decision for the adoption, as appropriate.

[…]

Griekenland, 25 januari 2010

Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity

Central Authority for Intercountry Adoptions

Guatemala, 26 november 2002

[…] in accordance with Article 6 (1) the Government of Guatemala informs the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the Central Authority of the Convention will be Procuraduría General de la Nacíon […]. This institution will be in charge of monitoring and the fulfilment of obligations imposed by the Convention […].

Guatemala, 26 juli 2007

[…] the designation of the Presidential Secretariat for Social Welfare of the Republic of Guatemala as the Central Authority […].

Guatemala, 29 oktober 2007

Central Authority:

Secretaría de Bienestar Social de la Presidencia de la República (Department of Social Welfare)

Subsecretaría de Fortalecimiento y Apoyo Familiar y Comunitario (Family and Community Support Division)

Guinee, 5 april 2004

Central Authority:

Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea to the Benelux countries and the countries of the European Union

Hongarije, 6 april 2005

Central Authority:

In connection with Article 6 of the Convention the Ministry of Youth, Family, Social and Equal Opportunities shall act as the Central Authority in the Republic of Hungary.

In accordance with Paragraph 2 of Article 23 of the Convention, the Ministry of Youth, Family, Social and Equal Opportunities shall issue the certificates referred to in Paragraph 1 of Article 23.

Hongarije, 8 januari 2007

Central Authority (modification):

Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment

Hongarije, 14 juli 2010

Central Authority (modification):

Ministry of National Resources

Child and Youth Protection Department

Ierland, 28 juli 2010

Pursuant to Article 6 of the Convention, Ireland designates the following as the Central Authority for the purposes of the Convention:

Údarás Uchtála na hÉireann (Adoption Authority of Ireland)

Pursuant to Article 23, Paragraph 2 of the Convention, Ireland hereby notifies the following as the authority competent to certify adoptions as having been made in accordance with the Convention.

Údarás Uchtála na hÉireann (Adoption Authority of Ireland)

The functions of the Authority are as set out in Section 96 of the Adoption Act, 2010 as follows:

• on or after the establishment day, performing the functions in relation to adoptions that before that day were performed by An Bord Uchtála;

• as specified in section 66 of the Act, performing in the State the role of a Central Authority under the Hague Convention;

• at the request of the Minister for Health and Children, providing general advice to him or her about adoption matters;

• undertaking or assisting in research projects and activities relating to adoption services;

• compiling statistical information and other records as to the proper planning, development and provision of those adoption services;

• maintaining a register of accredited bodies; and

• maintaining the register of intercountry adoptions.

The Authority has all the powers as are necessary or expedient for the performance by it of its functions and may make such enquiries as it considers necessary for the performance of its functions.

India, 29 juli 2003

Central Authority:

Central Adoption Resource Agency

India, 15 februari 2010

Central Authority (modification):

Organization: Central Adoption Resource Authority

Italië, 18 januari 2000

[…]

In accordance with Article 23, paragraph 2 of the Convention, the Government of the Italian Republic notifies the depositary that the “Commission pour les adoptions internationales” (established by the “Présidence du Conseil des Ministres” pursuant to Articles 38 and 39 of law no.184 of 4 May 1983 as amended by law no. 476 of 31 December 1998), in its capacity as the Italian Central Authority, is the sole authority competent to certify that an adoption has been made in accordance with the Convention.

[…]

The Government of the Italian Republic declares, in accordance with Article 6 of the Convention, that the National Board for Intercountry Adoptions (established by the Council of Ministers on the basis of Article 38 of law no. 184 of 4 May 1983, as amended by the law of 31 December 1998) is the Central Authority.

Italië, 28 juni 2000

Central Authority (modification):

Commissione per le Adozioni Internazionali

The above Authority started its activities on 3 May 2000, but will not be fully functioning until October, when the list of authorised adoption institutions is published.

As soon as possible the Commission will be in touch with counterpart organisations in the other Contracting States in order to establish specific contacts, particularly with the Central Authorities in those countries from where the largest numbers of adopted minors come.

Kaapverdië, 30 september 2009

Central and competent Authority:

Procuradoria Geral da República

Kazachstan, 9 juli 2010

Authority:

Children Rights Protection Committee of the Ministry of Education and Science

Kenia, 12 februari 2007

Central Authority:

Adoption Committee

Office of the Vice President and

Ministry of Home Affairs

Department of Children’s Services

Lesotho, 24 augustus 2012

Central Authority:

Ministry of Social Development

Letland, 1 juli 2003

Central Authority:

Secretariat of Minister for Special Assignments

for Children and Family Affairs

Letland, 7 september 2009

Central Authority in accordance with Article 6 (modification):

Ministry of Welfare

The Orphan’s Courts of the Republic of Latvia implement the functions specified in Articles 11 and 12 of the Convention.

Liechtenstein, 26 januari 2009

Central Authority in accordance with Article 6 of the Convention

Office of Social Affairs

Competent authority in accordance with Article 23 of the Convention

Court of Justice

Litouwen, 16 augustus 1999

Central Authority:

Children’s Rights Protection Office under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour

Litouwen, 19 september 2006

Central Authority:

State Child Rights Protection Adoption Service

Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania

Luxemburg, 5 juli 2002

Authorities:

• The Central Authority within the meaning of article 6(1) is the Ministère de la Famille (Ministry of the Family).

• The competent authorities within the meaning of articles 4 and 5 are the judicial authorities.

In accordance with Article 6:

Ministry of the Family

In accordance with Articles 4 and 5:

Luxembourg District Court

Diekirch District Court

Luxemburg, 9 maart 2005

Central Authority designated in accordance with the Hague Convention of 29 May 1993 on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Intercountry Adoption (article 6)

Ministry of the Family and Integration

Competent Authorities designated in accordance with the Hague Convention of 29 May 1993 on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Intercountry Adoption (articles 4 and 5)

District Court in Luxembourg

District Court in Diekirch

Macedonië, de voormalige Joegoslavische Republiek, 23 december 2008

In accordance with Article 6 paragraph 1 of the Convention, the designated Central Authority to discharge all Central Authority functions under the Convention, shall be the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia, Commission for establishing adoption.

In accordance with Article 23, paragraph 2 of the Convention, that the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia – Commission for establishing adoption, has been designated as the authority competent to issue the certificates referred to in Article 23, paragraph 1, stating that an adoption has been made in accordance with the Convention.

Mali, 1 maart 2007

Central Authority:

National Department for the Protection of Children and Families

Malta, 1 april 2005

Central Authority:

Department of Family Welfare

Mauritius, 13 april 2007

[…] the National Adoption Council, […], has been designated as the Central Authority for Mauritius and the focal point with respect to the implementation of the provisions of the Convention.

Mexico, 14 september 1994

In connection with Article 6, paragraph 2, and Article 22, paragraph 2, the Systems for Integral Family Development in each of the following federal units shall act as the sole Central Authorities for the purposes of this Convention, having exclusive jurisdiction within the territory to which they pertain:

• 1. Aguascalientes

• 2. Baja California

• 3. Baja California Sur

• 4. Campeche

• 5. Coahuila

• 6. Colima

• 7. Chiapas

• 8. Chihuahua

• 9. Durango

• 10. Estado de México

• 11. Guanajuato

• 12. Guerrero

• 13. Hidalgo

• 14. Jalisco

• 15. Michoacán

• 16. Morelos

• 17. Nayarit

• 18. Nuevo León

• 19. Oaxaca

• 20. Puebla

• 21. Querétaro

• 22. Quintana Roo

• 23. San Luis Potosí

• 24. Sinaloa

• 25. Sonora

• 26. Tabasco

• 27. Tamaulipas

• 28. Tlaxcala

• 29. Veracruz

• 30. Yucatán

• 31. Zacatecas

The National System for Integral Family Development shall have exclusive jurisdiction within the Federal District and subsidiary jurisdiction with the aforementioned 31 federal units of the Republic.

The Legal Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall act as the Central Authority for the receipt of documents from other countries.

In connection with Article 23, paragraph 2, the Government of Mexico declares that the Legal Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be the competent authority for the certification of adoptions negotiated in accordance with the Convention.

Mexico, 11 maart 2004

Central Authority:

Institute for Human Development

Moldavië, 10 april 1998

Central Authority:

The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Moldova.

Moldavië, 1 april 2010

Central Authority (modification):

In accordance with article 6 paragraph (1) and article 13 of the above mentioned Convention, the Republic of Moldova communicates that the Central Authority responsible for international adoptions is the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family of the Republic of Moldova.

Moldavië, 14 april 2010

In accordance with article 23 paragraph (2) of the above mentioned Convention, the Republic of Moldova communicates that the competent authority for issuing the certificate mentioned at article 23 paragraph (1) of the Convention is the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family of the Republic of Moldova.

Monaco, 29 juni 1999

Central Authority:

Department of Legal Services

Monaco, 2 maart 2010

Authority competent to issue the certificate of conformity under Article 23 (2):

Department of Legal Services

Mongolië, 13 april 2004

Central authority:

Ministry of Social Welfare and Labour

Population and Social Welfare Department

Ministry of Justice

Office of Immigration and Naturalization and Foreign Citizens

Montenegro, 9 maart 2012

[…]

• b) in accordance with article 23 paragraph 2 of the Convention, Montenegro declares that Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare is the authority competent to make the certification in accordance with article 23 paragraph 1;

[…] The same Ministry […] is Central Authority in accordance with Article 6 of the Convention.

Nederlanden, het Koninkrijk der, 3 juni 2005

Central Authority:

Ministry of Justice

Directorate-General for Prevention, Youth and Sanctions

Youth and Crime Prevention Department

Nederlanden, het Koninkrijk der, 23 november 2011

Central Authority (for the European and the Caribbean part of the Netherlands):

Ministry of Security and Justice

Directorate-General for Youth and Implementation of Sanctions

Youth Policy Division

Competent authority to certify an adoption in accordance with Article 23 (for the European part of the Netherlands):

Registries of the Courts of first instance

Competent authority to certify an adoption in accordance with Article 23 (for the Caribbean part of the Netherlands):

Registry of the Court that pronounced the adoption

Noorwegen, 25 september 1997

In accordance with Article 23, of the Convention, the Government of Norway declares:

The Government Adoption Office […] is the competent authority to make certifications referred to in Article 23, paragraph 1, when the adoption has taken place in Norway or when a foreign adoption order has been converted in Norway according to Article 27.

Noorwegen, 4 oktober 2005

Central Authority:

Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs

(Barne-, ungdoms- og familiedirektoratet)

Subordinate to the Directorate, there are five regional offices, to which some procedural functions have been delegated in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 22. In most cases, applications for adoption shall now be made to the competent regional office, which is authorised to grant preliminary approval for the adoption of a child resident in another state. The Directorate is the appellate instance. If, in an exceptional case, an adoption is to be arranged without the services of an accredited adoption agency, the Directorate itself (the central authority) will still grant the preliminary approval in the first instance. The Ministry of Children and Family Affairs is then the appellate instance.

The regional offices are:

• Regional Office for Children, Youth and Family Affairs, Southern Norway

  (Barne-, ungdoms- og familieetaten, region sør)

• Regional Office for Children, Youth and Family Affairs, Western Norway

  (Barne-, ungdoms- og familieetaten, region vest)

• Regional Office for Children, Youth and Family Affairs, Eastern Norway

  (Barne-, ungdoms- og familieetaten, region øst)

• Regional Office for Children, Youth and Family Affairs, Central Norway

  (Barne-, ungdoms- og familieetaten, region Midt-Norge)

• Regional Office for Children, Youth and Family Affairs, Northern Norway

  (Barne-, ungdoms- og familieetaten, region nord)

Oostenrijk, 19 mei 1999

The Republic of Austria declares in accordance with Article 13 of the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption that it has designated the following Central Authorities within the meaning of Article 6 of the Convention:

[…]

• a) The Austrian State Governments, each having regional competence for one of the Austrian Länder.

• b) For receiving applications from abroad and transmitting them to the competent State Government and for performing the general functions outlined in Article 7 para.2 of the Convention, the Bundesministerium für Justiz.

[…]

The Republic of Austria declares in accordance with Article 23 para. 2 of the Convention that the district court granting the adoption is competent to make out the certificate referred to in Article 23 para. 1 of the Convention.

Panama, 29 september 1999

Declaration pursuant to article 6.

The Republic of Panama designates the Ministry of Youth, Women, Children and the Family as the Central Authority for the execution of the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.

[…]

In accordance with article 23, paragraph 2, the Republic of Panama declares that the authority competent to deliver the certification mentioned in paragraph 1 of the said article is the High Family Court or the High Juvenile Court, as appropriate, as the responsible bodies with jurisdiction and established in conformity with the standards of domestic law.

Peru, 14 september 1995

Central Authority:

National Secretariat for Adoptions

Polen, 9 september 1998

According to Article 23 paragraph 2 of the Convention the Republic of Poland declares that the court which rendered the judgement of adoption is competent to made certification of adoption mentioned in Article 23, paragraph 1.

Central Authority:

Ministry of National Education

Polen, 18 januari 2006

Central Authority in accordance with Article 6 of the Convention (modification):

Ministry of Labour and Social Policy

Department of Social Assistance and Integration

Polen, 30 januari 2009

Central Authority (modification):

Ministry of Labour and Social Policy

Department of Family Policy

Portugal, 19 maart 2004

The Portuguese Republic designates, in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 6 of the Convention, the General Directorate for Solidarity and Social Security (Direcçâo-Geral da Solidariedade e Segurança Social) as the Central authority to discharge the duties which are imposed by the Convention.

The Portuguese Republic notifies furthermore that, for the purposes of paragraph 2 of Article 23 of the Convention, the General Directorate for Solidarity and Social Security (Direcçâo-Geral da Solidariedade e Segurança Social) is the authority competent to make the certification that the adoption has been made in accordance with the Convention.

Portugal, 13 augustus 2007

Central and competent Authority (modification):

Instituto de Segurança Social, I.P.

Portugal, 28 juli 2010

Central Authority (additional information):

Instituto da Segurança Social, I.P. – Ministério do Trabalho e da Solidariedade Social

(Institute for Social Security, P.I. – Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity)

Competent authority (Art. 23) (additional information):

Instituto da Segurança Social, I.P. – Ministério do Trabalho e da Solidariedade Social

(Institute for Social Security, P.I. – Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity)

Roemenië, 28 december 1994

Central Authority:

Comitetul Roman pentru Adoptie (Romanian Office for Adoptions)

Rwanda, 28 maart 2012

Central Authority in charge of implementing the Convention:

the National Commission for Children.

The National Commission for Children is the same authority that signs adoptions in accordance with Article 23.

San Marino, 6 oktober 2004

• 1. In conformity with Article 6, first paragraph, the Republic of San Marino designates the Secretariat of State for Foreign Affairs […] as the Central Authority.

• 2. In conformity with Article 23, second paragraph, the Republic of San Marino designates the Ministry of State for Health and Social Security […] as the competent authority.

Senegal, 24 augustus 2011

[…] Senegal has designated […] the Magistrat and Director of supervised Education and

Social Protection (DESPS) of the Ministry of Justice as the Central Authority to discharge the duties which are imposed by the Convention on protection of children and co-operation in respect of intercountry adoption, concluded at The Hague on 29 May 1993.

Seychellen, 26 juni 2008

Central Authority:

Director of Social Services

Ministry of Health and Social Development

Slowakije, 6 juni 2001

Central authority:

Centrum pre medzinárodno-právnu ochranu detí a mládeže

(Centre for International Legal Protection of Children and Youth)

The same authority is competent under Art. 23 para 2 of the Convention to certify that an adoption was made in accordance with the Convention.

Spanje, 11 juli 1995

• 1.

  • a) Designation of Central Authorities (art. 6)

    Each of the 17 Autonomous Communities shall be the Central Authority for its territory and the residents thereof.

    In the territories of Ceuta and Melilla the Central Authority shall be the Directorate-General for Minors and the Family of the Ministry of Social Affairs.

    […]

  • b) The Central Authority, according to Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention, for transmission of any communication is:

    Directorate-General for Minors and the Family

    Ministry of Social Affairs

• 2. Designation of the Central Authorities responsible for certifying adoptions as having been made in accordance with the Convention (art. 23):

Each of the Autonomous Communities and, for Ceuta and Melilla, the Directorate-General for Minors and the Family designated as Central Authorities shall be competent to certify adoptions as having been made in accordance with the Convention.

Sri Lanka, 23 januari 1995

The Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka […] designates in terms of Article 23 thereof the Commissioner of Probation and Child Care Services of the Department of Probation and Child Care Services […] as the Competent Authority of Sri Lanka to make the certification required in terms of the aforesaid Article.

The functions of the aforesaid authority are as follows:

• i. To provide care and protection, ensuring development to the children who are orphaned, abandoned, destitute and abused through state children’s homes and registered voluntary homes;

• ii. To provide Detention Homes and Day Care for street children;

• iii. To create public awareness programmes to prevent and reduce child abuse and delinquency;

• iv. To provide Day Care Centres for children of working mothers;

• v. To regulate the adoption of children;

• vi. Rehabilitation of adult offenders, young offenders and juvenile delinquents through probation;

• vii. Rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents through Certified Schools and preliminary rehabilitation through Remand Homes;

• viii. Sponsorship Programmes for children; and

• ix. Training and Research.

Thailand, 29 april 2004

Central authority:

• 1. Declaration pursuant to Article 6, paragraph 1, of the Convention

  The Government of the Kingdom of Thailand designates as Central Authority the Child Adoption Center, Department of Social Development and Welfare, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of the Kingdom of Thailand […].

• 2. Declaration pursuant to Article 23, paragraph 2, of the Convention

  The Government of the Kingdom of Thailand declares that the Central Authority is competent to deliver the certificate for adoption referred to in Article 23, paragraph 1, of the Convention.

Togo, 12 oktober 2009

Central Authority:

National Committee for the Adoption of the Child in Togo

Competent authority to make the certification:

The Minister in charge of the Protection of the Child

Tsjechië, 11 februari 2000

• I. Under Article 23, para. 2 of the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption, concluded at The Hague on May 29, 1993, the Czech Republic hereby notifies that the authority competent to make certifications of adoption is the Office for International Legal Protection of Children.

• II. The Czech Republic declares in accordance with Article 13 of the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption that it has designated the following Central Authority within the meaning of Article 6 of the convention:

  The Office of International Legal Protection of Children.

The Act concerning Social and Legal Protection of Children, approved by the Parliament of the Czech Republic on December 9, 1999 provides for the establishment of the Office for International Legal Protection of Children (hereinafter referred to as “Office“). The Office is the administrative office with nation-wide scope of operation; it is subordinated to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

The Office is headed by a Director, appointed and recalled by the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs.

• 1. Within the extent of its functions, the Office provides for social and legal protection in relation to abroad in respect of:

  • a) children having in the territory of the Czech Republic

    • permanent residence;

    • permanent residence or long-term residence permit;

    • applied for refugee status; or

    • are entitled to permanent residence;

  • b) children who are nationals of the Czech Republic and are not permanently resident in its territory;

  • c) children who are not nationals of the Czech Republic, do not have a permanent or long-term residence permit in its territory and are not staying in its territory, provided their parents or other physical persons having a child support order in respect of these children are staying in the Czech Republic.

• 2. In executing its responsibilities under para. I of this provision, the Office:

  • a) acts as the receiving and sending body within the implementation of international treaties and performs other duties arising for the Czech Republic out of international treaties concerning social and legal protection;

  • b) acts as a child guardian;

  • c) at the request of parents living in the Czech Republic or social and legal protection bodies, requests from the competent bodies and other legal and physical persons reports on the situation of children who are nationals of the Czech Republic and are not permanently resident in its territory;

  • d) provides for the transmission of personal documents and other letters abroad and for documents and other letters to be transmitted from abroad;

  • e) cooperates with government bodies or other organizations abroad executing similar responsibilities and duly authorized in their respective states to carry out activities related to social and legal protection and as appropriate with other bodies, institutions and legal persons;

  • f) provides assistance in the search for parents of a child, providing the parents or one of them are living abroad, in establishing property and incomes situations for establishing child support, provides for the petitioning of actions to secure child support, concerning in particular child support adjustment, upbringing and establishment of paternity;

  • g) examines, for the purposes of adoption of a child in the receiving state, the social environment and family situation of the child;

  • h) fulfils the responsibilities arising out of the adoption and enters into contact with the competent bodies, and physical and legal persons if so required by the discharge of functions of the Office arising out of the said Act;

  • i) gives consent to the adoption of a child abroad.

Turkije, 29 juni 2005

The designated Turkish central/competent authority is:

The Prime Ministry of the Republic of Turkey

General Directorate for Social Services and Child Protection Institution,

Department for Child Services

Venezuela, 10 januari 1997

In accordance with article 6, first paragraph, of the Convention Venezuela has designated “the Ministry of Foreign Affairs” as the Central Authority.

Verenigd Koninkrijk, 29 april 2003

Central Authorities designated under the Hague Convention of 29 May 1993 on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption (Articles 6 and 13)

• 1. For England

  The Department of Health

  Adoption and Permanence Team (Intercountry Section)

• 2. For Wales

  The National Assembly for Wales

  Child Protection and Placements Team

  Children and Families Division

• 3. For Scotland

  The Scottish Executive

  Young People and Looked After Children

  Education Department

• 4. For Northern Ireland

  The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

  Child Care Unit

The Designated Central Authority to which any communication may be addressed for transmission to the appropriate Central Authority is:

Department of Health

Adoption and Permanence Team (Intercountry Section)

Public Authorities carrying out duties imposed under the Hague Convention of 29 May 1993 on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption.

The relevant public authority will normally be the one in which the prospective adopter or the child to be adopted resides. In cases where the public authority is not where the prospective adopter has his home, the authority must obtain a written report from that public authority.

Notification of identity of the authorities competent to certify an adoption under the Hague Convention of 29 May 1993 on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption (Article 23(1)).

The department of Health

Adoption and Permanence Team (Intercountry Section)

The Department of Health will be responsible for certifying that a Convention adoption order has been made in accordance with the Convention in respect of adoptions made in England.

National Assembly for Wales

Child Protection and Placements Team

Children and Family Division

The National Assembly for Wales will be responsible for certifying that a Convention adoption order has been made in accordance with the Convention in respect of adoptions made in Wales

The Scottish Executive

Young People and Looked After Children

Education Department

The Scottish Executive will be responsible for certifying that a Convention adoption order has been made in accordance with the Convention in respect of adoptions made in Scotland.

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety will be responsible for certifying that a Convention adoption order has been made in accordance with the Convention in respect of adoptions in Northern Ireland.

Territorial Units in the UK to which the Hague Convention of 29 May 1993 on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption applies (Article 45)

England;

Wales;

Scotland; and

Northern Ireland.

Under the adoption laws of England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland accredited bodies and local authorities (in the case of Northern Ireland, Health and Social Services Trusts) –

perform the functions under article 9(a) to (c) of the Convention; and

provide the facilities and carry out the functions in respect of Articles 15(1) and 16(1) to enable Convention adoptions and adoptions effected by Convention adoption orders to be made. In addition local authorities (in the case of Northern Ireland, Health and Social Services Trusts) are responsible for the duties under Article 21.

The Department of Health performs the functions under Article 15(2), Articles 17-20 of the Convention for England.

The Scottish Executive performs the functions under Article 15(2), Articles 17-20 of the Convention for Scotland.

The National Assembly for Wales performs the functions under Article 15(2), Articles 17-20 of the Convention for Wales.

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety performs the functions under Article 15(2), Articles 17-20 of the Convention for Northern Ireland.

Verenigd Koninkrijk, 11 juni 2003

Central authority:

This body will be accredited only in England and Northern Ireland.

Verenigd Koninkrijk, 1 juli 2003

Authorities Isle of Man:

Department of Health and Social Security

Social Services Division

Public Authority carrying out duties imposed under the Convention

Department of Health and Social Security

Notification of identity of the authority competent to certify an adoption under the Convention (Article 23(1))

Department of Health and Social Security

Under the adoption laws of the Isle of Man accredited bodies and the Department of Health and Social Security perform the functions under article 9(a) to (c) of the Convention; and the Department of Health and Social Security provides the facilities and carry out the functions in respect of Articles 15(1) and 16(1) to enable Convention adoptions and adoptions effected by Convention adoption orders to be made.

In addition the Department of Health and Social Security performs the functions under Article 15(2) and Articles 17-20 and is responsible for the duties under Article 21.

Verenigd Koninkrijk, 23 juli 2010

Central Authority (modification):

For Northern Ireland:

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Child Care Policy Directorate

Competent authorities (Art. 23) (modification):

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Child Care Unit

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Child Care Policy Directorate

Verenigde Staten van Amerika, 12 december 2007

The Department of State has been designated as the authority competent to make the certifications under Article 23 of the Convention.

Verenigde Staten van Amerika, 10 maart 2008

In accordance with Article 13 of the Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Convention), the Department of State has been designated as the Central Authority for the United States for purposes of the Convention. The Department of State’s functions include all Central Authority functions under the Convention except as provided below. Within the Department, the Office of Children’s Issues of the Bureau of Consular Affairs serves as the primary contact on issues related to the Convention.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), part of the Department of Homeland Security, is the U.S. entity authorized to accept applications to adopt pursuant to Article 14.

U.S. accredited agencies, temporarily accredited agencies, and approved persons will generally perform the case-specific Central Authority duties set forth in Articles 15 through 21, in accordance with Article 22 of the Convention, with the exception of agreement under Article 17(c) that the adoption may proceed, which must be performed by the Department of State in cases in which the United States is a receiving country.

Vietnam, 1 november 2011

• 1. The Central Authority of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam under paragraph 1 of Article 6 of the Convention:

  The Ministry of Justice

  Permanent Office: The Department of Adoption

• 2. The Competent Authority of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to make the certification under Article 23 of the Convention:

  The Ministry of Justice

Zuid-Afrika, 28 oktober 2003

Central Authority:

Department of Social Development

Zweden, 28 mei 1997

Central Authority

The Swedish National Board of Intercountry Adoptions (NIA) shall issue the certificates referred to in Article 23.1, when the adoption has taken place in Sweden or when a foreign adoption ruling has been converted here according to Article 27 of the Convention.

The Swedish National Board of Intercountry Adoptions (NIA) shall be the Central Authority referred to in Article 6.1, and discharge the duties imposed by the Convention upon such authorities, unless otherwise specified in a law or other enactment.

Swedish law prescribes that applications referred to in Article 14 of the Convention shall be made to the Social welfare committee in the municipality in which the applicant resides.

The Social welfare committee shall

• a) prepare reports pursuant to Article 15.1 of the Convention,

• b) examine issues regarding agreements pursuant to Article 17.c of the Convention,

• c) take measures pursuant to Article 21 of the Convention.

If an accredited body is engaged to handle the adoption, the accredited body shall

• a) in accordance with Article 15.2 of the Convention submit reports referred to in Article 15.1,

• b) in accordance with Article 16.2 of the Convention receive reports referred to in Article 16.1,

• c) take measures, which according to Articles 18-20 of the Convention are imposed upon the Central Authority.

Zwitserland, 24 september 2002

Central authorities:

Office fédéral de la justice

Service pour la protection internationale des enfants

• 1. Aarau

  Departement des Innern Sektion Bürgerrecht und Personenstand

• 2. Appenzell A.Rh.

  Direktion des Innern

• 3. Appenzell IR

  Standeskommission des Kantons Appenzell Innerrhoden

• 4. Bâle-ville

  Erziehungsdepartement Ressort Dienste Abteilung Sozialpädagogik

• 5. Bâle-Campagne

  Justiz-, Polizei- und Militärdirektion

• 6. Berne

  Kantonales Jugendamt Bern

• 7. Fribourg

  Office cantonal des mineur

• 8. Genève

  Office de la jeunesse Service de protection de la jeunesse

  Evaluation continue des lieux de placement

  Autorité centrale adoption internationale

• 9. Glaris

  Sanitäts- und Fürsorgedirektion

• 10. Grison

  Kantonales Sozialamt

• 11. Jura

  Service de l’action sociale

• 12. Lucerne

  Regierungsstatthalter des Amtes Luzern

• 13. Neuchâtel

  Service des mineurs et des tutelles

• 14. Nidwald

  Justiz- und Sichterheitsdirektion

• 15. Obwald

  Gesundheits- und Sozialdepartement

• 16. Schaffhousen

  Amt für Justiz und Gemeinden

• 17. St.Gallen

  Amt für Soziales des Kantons St.Gallen

• 18. Schwyz

  Direktion des Innern

• 19. Soleure

  Zivilstandsaufsicht und Bürgerrecht

• 20. Tessin

  Dipartimento della sanità e della socialità,

  Divisione dell’azione sociale

  Ufficio del Tutore

• 21. Turgovie

  Generalsekretariat des Departementes für Justiz und Soziales

• 22. Uri

  Justizdirektion Uri

• 23. Valais

  Office cantonal pour le protection des mineurs

• 24. Vaud

  Service de protection de la Jeunesse

  Bàtiment administratif de la Pontaise

• 25. Zoug

  Direktion des Innern

  Kantonales Sozialamt verwaltungsgebäude am Postplatz

• 26. Zurich

  Bildungsdirektion Amt für Jugend und Berufsberatung

Zwitserland, 29 januari 2008

Federal Central Authority designated in accordance with the Hague Convention of 29 May 1993 on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption (Article 6)

Office fédéral de la Justice

Service de protection internationale des enfants

Cantonal Central Authorities designated in accordance with the Hague Convention of 29 May 1993 on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption (Article 6 al 2)

Competent Authorities designated in accordance with the Hague Convention of 29 May 1993 on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption (Article 23)

• 1. Argovie

  Departement

  Volkswirtschaft und Inneres

• 2. Appenzell A.Rh

  Departement Inneres und Kultur

  Zivilstands- und Bürgerrechtsdienst

• 3. Appenzell I.Rh

  Standeskommission des Kantons

  Appenzell Innerrhoden

• 4. Bâle-ville

  Erziehungsdepartement

  Ressort Dienste

  Abteilung Sozialpädagogik

• 5. Bâle-Campagne

  Justiz-,Polizei- und Militärdirektion

• 6. Berne

  Kantonales Jugendamt Bern

• 7. Fribourg

  Service de l’Enfance et de la Jeunesse

  Secteur des milieux d’accueil

• 8. Genève

  Office de la jeunesse

  Evaluation des lieux de placement

• 9. Glaris

  Departement Volkswirtschaft und Inneres

• 10. Grison

  Kantonales Sozialamt Graubünden

• 11. Jura

  Service de l’action sociale

• 12. Lucerne

  Regierungsstatthalter des Amtes Luzern

• 13. Neuchâtel

  Service des mineurs et des tutelles

• 14. Nidwald

  Gesundheits- und Sozialdirektion Nidwalden

  Kantonales Sozialamt

• 15. Obwald

  Kantonales Sozialamt

• 16. Schaffhouse

  Amt für Justiz und Gemeinden

• 17. St.Gall

  Amt für Soziales des Kantons St.Gallen

• 18. Schwyz

  Departement des Innern

• 19. Soleure

  Amt für soziale Sicherheit

  Ambassadorenhof

• 20. Tessin

  Dipartimento della sanità e della socialità, Divisione dell’azione sociale e delle famiglie

  Ufficio del Tutore Ufficiale

• 21. Turgovie

  Generalsekretariat des Departementes für Justiz und Sicherheit des Kantons Thurgau

• 22. Uri

  Amt für Justiz

  Abt. Bürgerrecht und Zivilstand

• 23. Valais

  Office cantonal pour la protection de l’enfant

• 24. Vaud

  Service de protection de la Jeunesse

  Bàtiment administratif de la Pontaise

• 25. Zoug

  Direktion des Innern

  Kantonales Sozialamt

• 26. Zurich

  Amt für Jugend und Berufsberatung

  Kantonale Zentralbehörde Adoption

Zwitserland, 14 juli 2009

Central Authority (modification)

Federal Office of Justice

International Private Law Unit

G. INWERKINGTREDING

Zie Trb. 1998, 244.

Wat betreft het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden, geldt het Verdrag, dat vanaf 1 oktober 1998 alleen voor het Europese deel van Nederland gold, vanaf 1 februari 2011 ook voor het Caribische deel van Nederland.

J. VERWIJZINGEN

Zie voor verwijzingen en overige verdragsgegevens Trb. 1993, 197, Trb. 1996, 94 en Trb. 1998, 244.

Titel	:	Statuut van de Haagse Conferentie voor Internationaal Privaatrecht; ’s-Gravenhage, 31 oktober 1951
Laatste Trb.	:	Trb. 2011, 199
Titel	:	Verdrag inzake de rechten van het kind; New York, 20 november 1989
Laatste Trb.	:	Trb. 2002, 233

Uitgegeven de vierde oktober 2012.

De Minister van Buitenlandse Zaken, U. ROSENTHAL

---

1) Ingevolge artikel 13 en artikel 22, derde lid, van het Verdrag, worden gegevens met betrekking tot de Centrale Autoriteiten, de vergunninghoudende instellingen en de in artikel 22 bedoelde instellingen aan het Permanent Bureau van de Haagse Conferentie voor Internationaal Privaatrecht medegedeeld. In dit tractatenblad zijn de gegevens opgenomen voor zover bekend bij de depositaris. Voor een volledig overzicht van de bij de Haagse Conferentie te melden autoriteiten zie: www.hcch.net/index_en.php?act=conventions.authorities&cid=69