Information about the adoption of a child is confidential. It cannot be disseminated without the consent of the adopter until the child reaches the age of majority. This is necessary to protect the child, his/her biological parents and adoptive parents from the risk that someone might use this information for material gain or to cause moral harm to the child and the family.
In Latvia, the revealing of an adoption secret against the adopter’s will is a crime and is punishable under the Criminal Law. Therefore, the State is obliged to investigate and punish the unauthorised disclosure of adoption information.
Right to know your origins
After reaching the age of majority, an adopted child has a right to find out details about his/her origins which can help in discovering the truth about important aspects of his/her personal identity. This right is protected by the child’s right to a private and family life.
What human rights violation may there be?
If anyone has unlawfully disseminated information about the adoption, this may violate the right to a private and family life for both the child and his/her parents.
Read more about how to complain in order to protect your rights.