Recent revelations about adoption practices in Denmark have sparked significant controversy, as eight individuals adopted from South Korea between 1970 and 1982 seek compensation from the Danish government for alleged mismanagement and unethical practices.
Background of the Adoption Case
The case in question dates back to 1994, when a woman adopted from South Korea sought information regarding her biological family. The Civil Rights Directorate concluded that they could not assist her, resulting in her request being dismissed. However, upon gaining access to her case file in 2023, she discovered a handwritten note from the Directorate. The note’s content, as reported by the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR), raised questions about the professionalism of governmental authorities, indicating scepticism toward potential contacts regarding her biological family.
Critiques of the Authorities
Caroline Adolphsen, Professor of Welfare Law at Aarhus University, pointed out the inadequacies in how the authorities processed such sensitive issues. “When one questions whether Holt (the South Korean adoption agency, ed) is an ‘acceptable contact,’ it implies scepticism,” she stated. She added that not handling the matter effectively was insufficient on the part of the authorities.
Klaus Josefsen further underscored the problem by stating that the supervisory authority did not attempt to dispel any suspicions or investigate Holt further. “You implicitly accept the risk that potential irregularities and illegalities will continue. You simply close your eyes and put it in the drawer,” he maintained.
Involvement of Holt International
The South Korean adoption agency Holt International collaborated with the Danish agency DanAdopt, which ceased operations in 2014 due to various allegations. Reports indicate that numerous South Korean adoptees had their adoption documents falsified, were placed for adoption without parental consent, and faced an “unfortunate economic incentive structure” within Holt International and the Korean Social Service (KSS). A report released by the Danish Appeals Board last year confirmed these practices, stating that Danish adoption agencies were aware of these irregularities.
However, it remained unclear from the report whether the Danish supervisory authority was informed about these practices.
The Push for Compensation
At the end of November 2023, eight adoptees announced their claims for compensation from the Danish state. These individuals, who were adopted from South Korea between 1970 and 1982, argue that Danish authorities failed to uphold their responsibility to protect the adoptees’ rights. According to their lawyer, Lisa Dalgas Christensen of Pramming Advokater, “They forged papers and did not secure consent from the biological parents. We believe that the Danish state was responsible for this because it approved our clients’ adoptions, even though it was aware of this adoption procedure.”
The amount being sought totals two million Danish kroner, which translates to approximately $250,000 for each of the adoptees if the state accepts their claims. The compensation request has been submitted to the Ministry of Justice and is still pending resolution.
Government’s Response
Danish Social and Housing Minister Sophie Hæstorp Andersen has been presented with criticism regarding the internal note tied to this case. In response, she acknowledged the historical context, stating, “I am not familiar with the specific case and what is behind it, but unfortunately, there is no doubt that children were facilitated for international adoption in ways that do not correspond to today’s requirements.”
This acknowledgement aligns with her government’s intention to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the adoption system’s history, which includes all countries from which Danish adoptions have occurred. She emphasized the need for clarity on the role of Danish authorities throughout this process.
Challenges in the Investigation
Despite the government’s proposal for an extensive inquiry, there has been significant backlash from adopted individuals, lawmakers, and experts. They criticize the decision to limit the investigation to “historical characteristics” rather than a rigorous legal examination regarding the role and responsibilities of authorities.
Multiple social spokespersons are demanding that the investigation expand to cover the acknowledgement, responsibilities, and roles of Danish authorities and adoption agencies in international adoption cases up until 2024.
Current Legislative Developments
The recent discussion in Parliament, initiated by the Liberal Alliance and the Denmark Democrats, stems from the podcast series “Falske Minder” (“False Memories”) produced by DR Dokumentar. This series reveals a troubling history of adoptions from Lebanon to Denmark during the 1980s, allegedly facilitated through bribery. The podcast also uncovered claims of the Danish state’s involvement in these unethical practices.
In response to these alarming revelations, social spokesperson Victoria Velasquez from the Red-Green Alliance declared that the findings uncover “one of the most disturbing chapters in Danish history.” This has led to a heightened call for transparency and accountability from Danish authorities regarding their historical role in international adoptions.
A Path Forward
The ongoing tensions surrounding adoption practices in Denmark represent a complex interplay of historical accountability and contemporary implications. As the number of individuals seeking justice and compensation grows, the necessity for a thorough examination of Denmark’s adoption history becomes increasingly evident. The intertwined narratives of personal identity, state responsibility, and ethical governance reveal the significant impact of past decisions on the lives of those adopted, driving a movement that seeks recognition, reparations, and reform in Denmark’s adoption policies.
As investigations unfold, both the public and those directly affected await clarity and justice in a matter that has deeply impacted many lives across generations.
