Questions on adoption - Children’s Convention from the United Nations
Question 20
Please inform the Committee about the measures taken to amend the adoption legislation with a view to aligning it with the Convention, including the rights of children to non-discrimination, to have their best interests taken into consideration, to be heard and to preserve their identity.
Reply to 20
The Government is currently reviewing the adoption laws. This review presents an opportunity to modernise all of our adoption laws, including the Adoption Act 1955, which hasn’t been substantially updated in 66 years. The Government is committed to ensuring the law aligns with New Zealand’s values and protect children’s rights, including those set out in the Convention.
