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Rationale for the theme of the Fifth IPC

It is estimated that there are over 53 million orphaned children in Africa. Africa has for generations relied on informal mechanisms such as communal life and the extended family system for support and survival of those in need, especially children. However, there is now an increasing disintegration of these two systems, as a result many children are up for adoption across the continent.

Africa is the only continent where intercountry adoption is on the increase, while adoptions from all other continents have decreased in recent years. Yet only 12 African countries have ratified the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. There is a serious and growing concern among governments, human and child rights advocates that intercountry adoption poses serious risks and challenges. Much as some children benefit from the system, experiences from some countries suggest that intercountry adoption is marred with serious problems and challenges.

The Fifth IPC will therefore bring together experts and policy makers to look into the various issues and the implications of intercountry adoption in Africa. The conference will look at both international experiences and African realities to analyse what is in the best interests of children in need of alternative care. It is also expected to adopt Pan-African Guidelines on intercountry adoption.

Objectives and Themes

The main objectives of the conference are:

• To provide a platform for sharing information and experiences on intercountry adoption.
• To promote action on intercountry adoption, consistent with the best interests of the child.
• To adopt a Pan-African framework and guidelines on intercounty adoption.

Conference Themes

Different topics under the following themes will be discussed at the Conference;

• Alternative options in Africa to intercountry adoption
• The legal and policy framework for intercountry adoption
• Good practices of intercountry adoption in Africa
• Trends and perspectives in intercountry adoption
• Towards a pan-African framework on intercountry adoption

Conference Outputs

The conference will be informed by a rich and varied body of studies specifically prepared for the conference. This will include the following:

Selected Country Reports

• An Africa-wide Report on intercountry adoption
• A video documentary on intercountry adoption

The specific outputs of the conference will include:

• A Conference Report
• Pan-African Guidelines on Intercountry Adoption, which can be used as a tool kit by experts, practitioners and individuals.
• A Communique by conference participants on intercountry adoption.
• A Publication on Intercountry Adoption containing selected papers presented at the conference to address the information gap on the continent.

Participants

As in the past the Fifth IPC is expected to draw a large number of participants from within African and around the world. Primarily, the conference will target law and policy makers, civil society advocacy groups, international development partners, academic institutions; individual child rights activists and private adoption agencies.

Registration Fees

• Individuals, local CSOs and government representatives from Africa – USD100 per person
• Individuals, international organisations and government representatives from outside Africa – USD300 per person.
• Students will not pay registration fees but must provide proof of registration from their institution.
• Children below the age of 18 will not pay registration fees.

The registration fees will be payable upon registration (information on payment modalities available here ), unless otherwise arranged with the Conference organisers.
There will be a limited number of sponsorships for participants from Africa who may be unable to afford the full registration fees.