Cambodia will resume int'l adoptions next year, lifting ban imposed for exploitation concerns

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Cambodia will resume international adoptions in 2014, more than four years after suspending them over concerns about child exploitation.

Deputy Social Affairs Minister Nim Thoth said Wednesday that foreigners interested in adopting Cambodian children would be able to make applications in the next year. A specific timeframe wasn't given.

Cambodia banned international adoptions in 2009 amid concerns that some children were being trafficked.

Angelique Reid, a U.N. Children's Fund communications officer, said Cambodia lifted its ban in early 2013 but the lack of protection mechanisms and trained staff had delayed the opening of adoption applications. She said Cambodia has committed to protections that will allow adoptions to resume gradually.

Nim Thoth said 3,800 Cambodian children were adopted by foreigners between 1987 and 2009.