Adoption obstacles
So many viewers have written wanting to open their homes and offer Iraqi children new lives. Unfortunately, Iraqi lawyers, international child care agencies, officials at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad and the U.S. State Department in Washington all tell us adoption is not possible. Here is why:
Iraqi laws/Islamic laws
Adoption is not allowed in Iraq for both religious and Islamic reasons. It is illegal for a foreigner to an adopt an Iraqi child. It is illegal for a non-Muslim to adopt a Muslim child.
Guardianship
What is allowed in Iraq is a system of guardianship, in which a family cares for an orphan without the child actually becoming a son or daughter. Currently, it is not permitted for a foreigner to become a legal guardian of an Iraqi child.
Wartime
Aid agencies, including UNICEF and the U.S. State Department, also discourage adoptions from countries in crisis because it is difficult to establish if children are in fact orphans, or have just been separated from living relatives because of the chaos of war.
What to do
Most aid groups working with children tell us the best way to help orphans in countries in crisis is to try to place them with their extended families and provide those families the financial support and training to care for the children. UNICEF has agreed to earmark all donations it receives as a result of our story for this type of program in Iraq. Click here to visit their Web site.
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Strong, impressive report. Clarification please. Does "guardianship" preclude fostering by a non-muslim, non-Iraqi family? Can "extended family" include a non-muslim, non-Iraqi family?
Norm Dalke, Edmonds, WA (Sent Jun 7, 2006 11:06:39 PM)
I THINK THE BEST WAY FOR US PEOPLE TO HELP THE IRAQI ORPHANS IS TO GET THE HELL OUT OF IRAQ NOW AND THEY WILL HANDLE ALL THEIRE PROPLEMS AND US MUST STOP PLAYING THE ROLE OF THE GUARDIAN OF THE OTHER NATIONS.
MAAN (Sent Jun 8, 2006 5:10:10 AM)
I was just browsing through and felt compelled to personal send you a BIG THANK YOU for your story about the orphans in Iraq. It's a shame that usually in war the main focus of the world is on the war itself, and there's usually very little mentioned about the unfortunate children. Thank you for reminding us that we should focus more on helping the young children.
Anonymous (Sent Jun 8, 2006 5:15:38 AM)
Dear:
This (adoption of Iraqi Children) reflects the good welling and intents of the American people despite all the devil things done by the US government. Any way, in Islam, adoption by claiming the fatherhood or motherhood is absolutely refused even for Moslem-Moslem adoption, instead, by the guardianship (or its better to say custody) a man or a woman (sponsors) can manage all matters (financially, socially ,..etc.) of the person covered by this system till he is mature and able to make his living. This applies for Moslems or non Moslems beneficiaries. As a result, helping orphan by supporting their extended families (sponsors) sounds to be good idea. Allowing the beneficiaries to visit and know their sponsors in their countries will add to the system.
Regards
Bashar Dhiyab, Amman, Country:Jordan. (Sent Jun 8, 2006 6:14:13 AM)
It's nice to see the welfare of a country or religion has more importance than the life of a child without parents. Who know nothing outside a war ravaged nation. Only death and dismemberment. But to allow them to be adopted to another nation or people and allow them to LIVE a childhood(instead of having it ripped from them) can't be allowed by law. Well guess where the next generation of suicide bombers are coming from. They are your next Zarqawi.
John Do (Sent Jun 8, 2006 9:22:50 AM)
I would also like to thank you for bringing this story to the American people. We very often forget the human toll that is caused by the war whether one believes it to be a just or unjust. I personally believe that we as Americans have a duty and responsibility to these innocent victims who I pray may soon have a peaceful, joyful and normal childhood.
Again I thank you for the terrific job in bringing this part of this war to life and hope that you keep up the good work.
Kathy Robertson, Waltham, MA (Sent Jun 8, 2006 10:02:34 AM)
Thank you for this, and all your stories. Throughout history, it is the innocent who suffer most. If you would tell the children, and all Iraqi's, there are Americans, such as our family, who pray for them in our daily prayers. As we do all those in harm's way. We pray for peace on earth and good will to all. Take care. HBole, Houston, TX
H Bole (Sent Jun 8, 2006 10:27:57 AM)
Richard,
Thank you for your great report on the Iraqi orphans. You are the best.
Ali M, Lowell, AR (Sent Jun 8, 2006 11:36:57 PM)
As a US Army Vet currently deployed to Iraq, I too, looked into the possiblitly of adopting one of these adorable babies in Iraq. I hope that everyone seeking adoption for these children will realize that there are so many beautiful children in the US that could still use a home and love and nurture frome someone. Don't give up on your want to provide love, and give it to a baby at home, in the US, Your own need you also, so hook them up.
Peace Always
Bobby McComas, Huntington, WV (Sent Jun 27, 2006 7:43:03 AM)
I am a young newly wed OIF vet. I have also entertained the thought of helping Iraqi orphans. I believe it would be in both the U.S. & Iraq's interests to help the children of war as soon as possible. This does not necessarily mean we should focus solely on adoption but perhaps help with their education, housing, and other social programs.
Jason , WA (Sent Aug 17, 2006 10:23:56 AM)
I was unbelievable moved by this story I saw yesterday on Dateline.The little girl whose mother abandoned her and moved to Syria is still in my heart.
Please help me to give her my home in the U.S.I will do what it takes to make this dream come true.
caroline silverman (Sent Sep 2, 2006 5:40:36 PM)
I was extremely touched by this broadcast. I will look to contribute to organizations for the benefit of all children who suffer these atrocities. If this is all we can do for the time being then we must accept this and contribute if able. We all however have the option to choose to pray to God and ask his help for the welfare of the children.
MLG, NYC,NY (Sent Sep 3, 2006 6:42:48 PM)
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