Quebec suspends international adoptions amid human trafficking concerns [Video]

The Quebec government has suspended the opening of new files for international adoptions, saying it is concerned about the risk of human trafficking.

The province’s health and social services ministry says it wants to do a thorough assessment of the adoption process before proceeding with any additional files.

This is in spite of the Hague Convention, a series of international treaties that aim to protect children and families from illegal adoptions and child abduction.

“Many countries, principally European countries, but as well as countries of origin, for the past years, have been worried because even with the convention, [it] might not be that robust in its application in certain countries,” explains Geneviève Poirier, secretariat for International Child Services.

Nevertheless, non-profit organizations approved by the Quebec government to help families with international adoptions say the news of the suspension was a major shock.

“It’s not a generalized issue. There are some …