Grace Burke

Grace Burke

Hi! My name is Grace Burke. On Sept 25, 2007 my life changed forever. My mom adopted me from Orsk, Russia when I was only 11 months old. Only 5 years later, the Russian Duma imposed an international adoption ban forbidding Americans to adopt from Russia. That day, 46 children lost their opportunity to unite with their forever family. That could have been me. I had to take action. I am advocating for the reversal of this ban. I want to eliminate any further suffering and lost opportunities. My mom and I are so blessed that we found each other. It was meant to be. Now it is my turn to advocate for the children in Russia who are still in search of their forever home. How can you help me get the word out?
Opinion: Navigating the complexities: The United Nations, international adoption and the Russian adoption ban

Opinion: Navigating the complexities: The United Nations, international adoption and the Russian adoption ban

The United Nations (UN) lacks direct authority over the internal policies of individual nations, including matters concerning adoption bans. The UN concentrates on global issues, peace, security, development and human rights as an international organization. National governments usually control adoption policies and determinations regarding adoption regulations, such as bans, are considered matters of individual countries’ sovereignty.