[PASSED] Child Welfare in Adoption

[Frisbeeteria]

Regulating Int'l Adoption has been an idea of mine for a while now, so here's a first, and rough, draft of a resolution dealing with this. It aims to cut the red tape and barriers to international adoption, as well as a few bits of regulation. I know, how do you cut red tape and regulate at the same time. I dunno. But we'll give it a shot anyway.

Should be fixed now >> I think it might have gone over the word count, so editing may be needed. Also the category, wasn't really sure, so I went with Free Trade. Not entirely convinced but if someone has a better suggested, go for it.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Child Welfare in Adoption
A resolution to reduce income inequality and increase basic welfare.

Category: Social Justice | Strength: Mild | Proposed by: Sanctaria

Description: The General Assembly,

BELIEVING that intercountry adoption can be beneficial to nations experiencing difficulty with their internal rate of adoption and to children in need of a loving home,

FRUSTRATED with the reality that member nations each have differing rules and regulations regarding intercountry adoption,

CONCERNED that such a myriad of bureaucratic minutiae poses a danger to the welfare of children involved in intercountry adoptions, and unnecessarily increases the risk of child abuse and trafficking,

HOPEFUL that the consolidation of these varied rules and regulations will aid in the safekeeping of vulnerable children, as well as break down barriers to intercountry adoption,

Hereby

DEFINES, for the purpose of this resolution, the following:

1. child: an individual under the threshold of majority in both the country of origin and the recipient country,
   
2. prospective adopter: a party who is seeking to adopt a child;

STRONGLY ENCOURAGES member nations to permit intercountry adoption;

DEMANDS that, should one not already exist, each member nation that permits intercountry adoption establish a state or semi-state agency, to be known as National Adoption Boards, which shall have the following duties:

1. to maintain a register of children available within that nation for adoption,
   
2. to work with and vet prospective adopters in that nation, and
   
3. to liaise with National Adoption Boards in other member nations during intercountry adoption processes;

DECREES that any intercountry adoption between member nations must be conducted between National Adoption Boards, and that no transfer of children shall take place until the intercountry adoption is finalised and confirmed;

REQUIRES National Adoption Boards to consider the welfare and wishes of all children available for adoption, in particular with determining if intercountry adoption is appropriate for each individual child;

CREATES the World Assembly Adoption Authority (WAAA) to establish and implement a stringent and rigorous uniform code of rules and regulations regarding intercountry adoption;

MANDATES that all National Adoption Boards be member organisations of WAAA and that they adhere to all these regulations, procedures, and standards established;

DECLARES that no National Adoption Board may establish regulations, procedures, protocols, or standards regarding intercountry adoption that are contradictory or additional to those established by WAAA;

FORBIDS WAAA from establishing standards, protocols, and procedures that could reasonably be construed to be discriminatory (e.g. disallowing an intercountry adoption based on the prospective adopter's, or child's, nationality, race, gender, sexuality, or marital status), unless there are compelling practical reasons to do so;

PROSCRIBES the transfer of children by member nations to non-member nations in an effort to circumvent any facet of this resolution;

OUTLAWS the practice of buying children, in which financial or in-kind payments are exchanged to ensure an individual receives a child, however;

ACKNOWLEDGES that, in the case of adoption processes, some reasonable fees may be charged by National Adoption Boards, and/or their domestic affiliates, for expenses incurred during the adoption process.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Child Welfare in Adoption
A resolution to reduce income inequality and increase basic welfare.

Category: Social Justice | Strength: Mild | Proposed by: Sanctaria

Description: The General Assembly,

BELIEVING that intercountry adoption can be beneficial to nations experiencing difficulty with their internal rate of adoption and to children in need of a loving home,

FRUSTRATED with the reality that member nations each have differing rules and regulations regarding intercountry adoption,

HOPEFUL that the consolidation of these varied rules and regulations will break down barriers to intercountry adoption,

Hereby

DEFINES, for the purpose of this resolution, the following:

1. child: an individual under the threshold of majority in both the country of origin and the recipient country,
2. prospective adopter: a party who is seeking to adopt a child;

STRONGLY ENCOURAGES member nations to permit intercountry adoption;

DEMANDS that, should one not already exist, each member nation that permits intercountry adoption establish a state or semi-state agency, to be known as National Adoption Boards, which shall have the following duties:

1. to maintain a register of children available within that nation for adoption,
2. to work with and vet prospective adopters in that nation, and
3. to liaise with National Adoption Boards in other member nations during intercountry adoption processes;

DECREES that any intercountry adoption between member nations must be conducted between National Adoption Boards, and that no transfer of children shall take place until the intercountry adoption is finalised and confirmed;

REQUIRES National Adoption Boards to consider the welfare and wishes of all children available for adoption, in particular with determining if intercountry adoption is appropriate for each individual child;

CREATES the World Assembly Adoption Authority (WAAA) to establish and implement a stringent and rigorous uniform code of rules and regulations regarding intercountry adoption;

MANDATES that all National Adoption Boards be member organisations of WAAA and that they adhere to all these regulations, procedures, and standards established;

DECLARES that no National Adoption Board may establish regulations, procedures, protocols, or standards regarding intercountry adoption that are contradictory or additional to those established by WAAA;

FORBIDS WAAA from establishing standards, protocols, and procedures that could reasonably be construed to be discriminatory (e.g. disallowing an intercountry adoption based on the prospective adopter's, or child's, nationality, race, gender, sexuality, or marital status), unless there are compelling practical reasons to do so;

PROSCRIBES the transfer of children by member nations to non-member nations in an effort to circumvent any facet of this resolution;

OUTLAWS the practice of buying children, in which financial or in-kind payments are exchanged to ensure an individual receives a child, however;

ACKNOWLEDGES that, in the case of adoption processes, some reasonable fees may be charged by National Adoption Boards, and/or their domestic affiliates, for expenses incurred during the adoption process.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Intercountry Adoption Act
A resolution to reduce income inequality and increase basic welfare.

Category: Social Justice | Strength: Mild | Proposed by: Sanctaria

Description: The General Assembly,

BELIEVING that intercountry adoption can be beneficial to nations experiencing difficulty with their internal rate of adoption and to children in need of a loving home,

FRUSTRATED with the reality that member nations each have differing rules and regulations regarding intercountry adoption,

HOPEFUL that the consolidation of these varied rules and regulations will break down barriers to intercountry adoption,

Hereby

DEFINES, for the purpose of this resolution, the following:

1. child: an individual under the age of majority in both the country of origin and the recipient country,
2. prospective adopter: a party who is seeking to adopt a child;

STRONGLY ENCOURAGES member nations to permit intercountry adoption;

DEMANDS that, should one not already exist, each member nation that permits intercountry adoption establish a state or semi-state agency, to be known as National Adoption Boards, which shall have the following duties:

1. to maintain a register of children available within that nation for adoption,
2. to work with and vet prospective adopters in that nation, and
3. to liaise with National Adoption Boards in other member nations during intercountry adoption processes;

CLARIFIES that any intercountry adoption between member nations must be conducted between National Adoption Boards, and that no transfer of children shall take place until the intercountry adoption is finalised and confirmed;

REQUIRES National Adoption Boards to consider the welfare and wishes of all children available for adoption, in particular with determining if intercountry adoption is appropriate for each individual child;

CREATES the World Assembly Adoption Authority (WAAA) to establish and implement a stringent and rigorous uniform code of rules and regulations regarding intercountry adoption;

MANDATES that all National Adoption Boards be member organisations of WAAA and that they adhere to all these regulations, procedures, and standards established;

DECLARES that no National Adoption Board may establish regulations, procedures, protocols, or standards regarding intercountry adoption that are contradictory or additional to those established by WAAA;

FORBIDS WAAA from establishing standards, protocols, and procedures that could reasonably be construed to be discriminatory (e.g. disallowing an intercountry adoption based on the prospective adopter's, or child's, nationality, race, gender, sexuality, or marital status), unless there are compelling practical reasons to do so;

OUTLAWS the practice of buying children, in which financial or in-kind payments are exchanged to ensure an individual receives a child, however;

ACKNOWLEDGES that, in the case of adoption processes, some reasonable fees may be charged by certified adoption agencies for expenses incurred during the adoption process.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

On Intercountry Adoption
A resolution to reduce income inequality and increase basic welfare.

Category: Social Justice | Strength: Mild | Proposed by: Sanctaria

Description: The General Assembly,

BELIEVING that intercountry adoption can be beneficial to individuals who wish to adopt and to nations experiencing difficulty with their internal rate of adoption,

FRUSTRATED with the reality that member nations each have differing rules and regulations regarding intercountry adoption,

HOPEFUL that the consolidation of these varied rules and regulations will break down barriers to intercountry adoption,

Hereby

DEFINES, for the purpose of this resolution, the following:

1. child: an individual under the age of majority in both the country of origin and the recipient country,
2. prospective adopter: a party who is seeking to adopt a child;

DEMANDS that, should one not already exist, each member nation that permits intercountry adoption establish a state or semi-state agency, to be known as National Adoption Boards, which shall have the following duties:

1. to maintain a register of children available within that nation for adoption,
2. to work with and vet prospective adopters in that nation, and
3. to liaise with National Adoption Boards in other member nations during intercountry adoption processes;

CLARIFIES that any intercountry adoption must be conducted between National Adoption Boards, and that no transfer of children shall take place until the intercountry adoption is finalised and confirmed;

CREATES the World Assembly Adoption Authority (WAAA) to establish and implement a stringent and rigorous uniform code of rules and regulations regarding intercountry adoption;

MANDATES that all National Adoption Boards be member organisations of WAAA and that they adhere to all these regulations, procedures, and standards established;

DECLARES that no National Adoption Board may establish regulations, procedures, protocols, or standards regarding intercountry adoption that are contradictory or additional to those established by WAAA;

FORBIDS WAAA from establishing standards, protocols, and procedures that could reasonably be construed to be discriminatory (e.g. disallowing an intercountry adoption based on the prospective adopter's, or child's, nationality, race, gender, sexuality, or marital status), unless there are compelling practical reasons to do so;

OUTLAWS the practice of buying children, in which financial or in-kind payments are exchanged to ensure an individual receives a child, however;

ACKNOWLEDGES that, in the case of adoption processes, some reasonable fees may be charged by certified adoption agencies for expenses incurred during the adoption process.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

On Intercountry Adoption
A resolution to reduce income inequality and increase basic welfare.

Category: Social Justice | Strength: Mild | Proposed by: Sanctaria

Description: The General Assembly,

BELIEVING that intercountry adoption can be beneficial to individuals who wish to adopt and to nations experiencing difficulty with their internal rate of adoption,

FRUSTRATED with the reality that member nations each have differing rules and regulations regarding intercountry adoption,

HOPEFUL that the consolidation of these varied rules and regulations will break down barriers to intercountry adoption,

Hereby

DEFINES, for the purpose of this resolution, the following:

1. child: an individual under the age of majority in both the birth country and the host country,
2. prospective adopter: an individual who is seeking to adopt a child;

DEMANDS that, should one not already exist, each member nation that permits intercountry adoption establish a state or semi-state agency, to be known as National Adoption Boards, which shall have the following duties:

1. to maintain a register of children available within that nation for adoption,
2. to work with and vet prospective adopters in that nation, and
3. to liaise with National Adoption Boards in other member nations during intercountry adoption processes;

CLARIFIES that any intercountry adoption must be conducted between National Adoption Boards;

CREATES the World Assembly Adoption Authority (WAAA) to establish and implement a uniform code of rules and regulations regarding intercountry adoption;

MANDATES that all National Adoption Boards be member organisations of WAAA and that they adhere to all these regulations, procedures, and standards established;

DECLARES that no National Adoption Board may establish regulations, procedures, protocols, or standards regarding intercountry adoption that are contradictory or additional to those established by WAAA;

FORBIDS WAAA from establishing standards, protocols, and procedures that could reasonably be construed to be discriminatory (e.g. disallowing an intercountry adoption based on the prospective adopter's, or child's, nationality, race, gender, sexuality, or marital status), unless there are compelling practical reasons to do so;

OUTLAWS the practice of buying children, in which financial or in-kind payments are exchanged to ensure an individual receives a child, however;

ACKNOWLEDGES that, in the case of adoption processes, some reasonable fees may be charged by certified adoption agencies for expenses incurred during the adoption process.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

On Intercountry Adoption
A resolution to reduce income inequality and increase basic welfare.

Category: Social Justice | Strength: Mild | Proposed by: Sanctaria

Description: The General Assembly,

UNDERSTANDING that many who desire children are not necessarily able to procreate and that adoption may be their last resort,

BELIEVING that intercountry adoption can be beneficial to individuals who cannot have children and to nations experiencing difficulty with their internal rate of adoption,

FRUSTRATED with the reality that the multitude of member nations each have differing rules and regulations regarding intercountry adoption,

HOPEFUL that the consolidation of these varied rules and regulations will break down barriers to intercountry adoption,

Hereby

DEFINES, for the purpose of this resolution, the following:

i. child: an individual under the age of majority in both the birth country and the host country,
ii. prospective adopter: an individual who is seeking to adopt a child;

DEMANDS that, should one not already exist, each member nation that permits intercountry adoption establish a state or semi-state agency, to be known as National Adoption Boards, which shall have the following duties:

i. to maintain a register of children available within that nation for adoption,
ii. to work with and vet prospective adopters in that nation, and
iii. to liaise with National Adoption Boards in other member nations during intercountry adoption processes;

CREATES the World Assembly Adoption Authority (WAAA) to establish and implement a uniform code of rules and regulations regarding intercountry adoption;

MANDATES that all National Adoption Boards be member organisations of WAAA and that they adhere to all these regulations, procedures, and standards established;

DECLARES that no National Adoption Board may establish regulations, procedures, protocols, or standards regarding intercountry adoption that are contradictory or additional to those established by WAAA;

FORBIDS WAAA from establishing standards, protocols, and procedures that could reasonably be construed to be discriminatory in the following fashion: disallowing an intercountry adoption on the basis of the prospective adopter's, or child's, race, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or religion;

OUTLAWS the practice of buying children, in which considerable and significant amounts of money, and/or in-kind payments, are exchanged to ensure a prospective adopter receives a child, however;

ACKNOWLEDGES that some reasonable fees may be charged by National Adoption Boards for expenses incurred during the adoption process.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

On Intercountry Adoption
A resolution to reduce barriers to free trade and commerce.

Category: Free Trade | Strength: Mild | Proposed by: Sanctaria

Description: The General Assembly,

UNDERSTANDING that many who desire children are not necessarily able to procreate,

CONSCIOUS of the fact that the World Assembly has fostered cultural diversity amongst and more importantly within its member nation states,

BELIEVING that the further promotion of cultural diversity through the encouragement of intercountry adoption can and will lead to increased cooperation and interdependency between member nation states,

FRUSTRATED with the reality that the multitude of member nation states each has differing laws and regulations regarding intercountry adoption,

HOPEFUL that the consolidation of these varied rules and regulations will break down remaining barriers to the aforementioned cooperation and interdependency which this body believes to be of the utmost importance,

Hereby

DEFINES, for the purpose of this resolution, the following:

i. Child: An individual under the age of majority in both the birth country and the host country,
ii. Prospective adopter: An individual who is seeking to adopt a child;

DEMANDS that each member nation states establishes a state, or semi-state, agency (to be known as National Adoption Boards) to maintain a register of, to vet, and to liaise with prospective adopters in that nation state;

ADDS the maintenance of a list of children within that nation state available for adoption to the duties of each National Adoption Board;

ALLOWS for member nation states to consider already existing adoption authorities with their nation state as a National Adoption Board, provided that it is a state or semi-state agency;

CREATES the World Assembly Adoption Authority (WAAA) to establish and implement a uniform code of rules and regulations regarding intercountry adoption;

MANDATES that all National Adoption Boards be member organisations of WAAA and that they adhere to all these regulations, procedures, and standards established;

DECLARES that no National Adoption Board may establish regulations, procedures, protocols, or standards regarding intercountry adoption that are contradictory or additional to those established by WAAA;

FORBIDS WAAA from establishing standards, protocols, and procedures that could reasonably be construed to be discriminatory in any fashion e.g. disallowing an intercountry adoption on the basis of the prospective adopter's, or child's, race, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or religion;

OUTLAWS the practice of buying children, in which considerable and significant amounts of money are exchanged to ensure a prospective adopter receives a child, however;

ACKNOWLEDGES that some reasonable fees may be charged for expenses incurred during the adoption process.

[Mousebumples]

On a wholly unmodly note, I'm glad to see you're tackling this, Sanct, as I think it is an area of legislation that is needed but is as of yet unaddressed. No time to offer constructive comments before work this AM, but best of luck. ^_^

[Hirota]

Out of interest, why "Intercountry" and not International?

[Sanctaria]

Out of interest, why "Intercountry" and not International?

I believe intercountry is the correct term.

((OOC: US State Dept and the Irish Ministry for Children and Youth Affairs both refer to intercountry adoption))

[The Dark Star Republic]

Out of interest, why "Intercountry" and not International?

I believe intercountry is the correct term.

((OOC: US State Dept and the Irish Ministry for Children and Youth Affairs both refer to intercountry adoption))

OOC: More pertinently, so does the relevant Hague Convention.

I know you're a self-professed "stats player", but there is no way this is Free Trade as written. Every clause but the last imposes regulations and restrictions. As written, it seems to belong in one of the categories you expressed dislike of, Moral Decency or Social Justice.

Obviously completely opposed base on the title.

Other than that, I'm glad you're tackling this. I've expressed support for something on this topic in the past, and as written it looks a good start. Will have an in-character response in due course.

[Rotwood]

Jericho looks over the proposal put before them
"It is late, and thus we have to keep our reply brief, but we could get behind this."

(OOC: Maybe given the fact that we usually refer to each other as nations more than countries, change it to internation instead.)

[Sanctaria]

(OOC: Maybe given the fact that we usually refer to each other as nations more than countries, change it to internation instead.)

I'd prefer to use correct terms in legislation, so it's remaining intercountry.

I know you're a self-professed "stats player", but there is no way this is Free Trade as written. Every clause but the last imposes regulations and restrictions. As written, it seems to belong in one of the categories you expressed dislike of, Moral Decency or Social Justice.

I've written Social Justice before. I don't see it as Moral Decency because I'm not placing restrictions on a people's civil rights (I'd like to think I'm expanding them because the WAAA is forbidden from discriminating when executing its duties).

I'm not confident with Social Justice because of its connotations with social equality and welfare, which I don't equate to adoption, but I do see the argument that this enshrining regulations on businesses (I guess) in WA law. I can get behind Social Justice but I'd like to think more on it.

Obviously completely opposed base on the title.

Intercountry Adoption takes up a good deal of characters all by itself - I did have Regulating Intercountry Adoption but that went over the character count for the title. I am aware that some Ambassadors dislike "On X" as resolution titles, but I was going for a succinct title that made sense. It'd be disappointing if you remained opposed based on that alone.

[Linux and the X]

We recommend as always that the references to an age of majority be instead to a more general threshold of majority.

We also recommend a committee name that isn't abbreviated WAAA.

[Sanctaria]

We recommend as always that the references to an age of majority be instead to a more general threshold of majority.

I operate based on the Reasonable Nation Theory, which is permitted. Reasonable nations will have an age of majority.

We also recommend a committee name that isn't abbreviated WAAA.

What's wrong with that abbreviation?

[Linux and the X]

We recommend as always that the references to an age of majority be instead to a more general threshold of majority.

I operate based on the Reasonable Nation Theory, which is permitted. Reasonable nations will have an age of majority.

For obvious reasons, we disagree.

We also recommend a committee name that isn't abbreviated WAAA.

What's wrong with that abbreviation?

"WAAA" is a common onomatopoeic representation of whining.

[Glen-Rhodes]

Obviously completely opposed base on the title.

Intercountry Adoption takes up a good deal of characters all by itself - I did have Regulating Intercountry Adoption but that went over the character count for the title. I am aware that some Ambassadors dislike "On X" as resolution titles, but I was going for a succinct title that made sense. It'd be disappointing if you remained opposed based on that alone.

There's a very easy way to have a longer title, if you're interested.

[Sanctaria]

"WAAA" is a common onomatopoeic representation of whining.

Ha! I hadn't actually noticed that.

Makes me want to keep it more.

There's a very easy way to have a longer title, if you're interested.

I'd rather stay in the confines of the technical limits opposed on everybody who are stupid with technology like I am. Thanks for the offer though.

[Defwa]

"WAAA" is a common onomatopoeic representation of whining.

Ha! I hadn't actually noticed that.

Makes me want to keep it more.

I like the name

[Mousebumples]

I know you're a self-professed "stats player", but there is no way this is Free Trade as written. Every clause but the last imposes regulations and restrictions. As written, it seems to belong in one of the categories you expressed dislike of, Moral Decency or Social Justice.

I've written Social Justice before. I don't see it as Moral Decency because I'm not placing restrictions on a people's civil rights (I'd like to think I'm expanding them because the WAAA is forbidden from discriminating when executing its duties).

I'm not confident with Social Justice because of its connotations with social equality and welfare, which I don't equate to adoption, but I do see the argument that this enshrining regulations on businesses (I guess) in WA law. I can get behind Social Justice but I'd like to think more on it.

If you target the text appropriately, I would think that Human Rights could be a possibility. i.e. "Right to Int'l Adoption" or something. (I know that Intercountry is the appropriate term, but I didn't do a character count on such a proposed res title )

[Elke and Elba]

Ooh. Right to Intercountry Adoption is exactly 30, isn't it?

[The Eternal Kawaii]

In the Name of the Eternal Kawaii, may the Cute One be praised

We acknowledge that this is a significant international issue and well worth this Assembly's time to discuss. However, we are a little disturbed by some of the language in it, particularly:

DEMANDS that each member nation states establishes a state, or semi-state, agency (to be known as National Adoption Boards) to maintain a register of, to vet, and to liaise with prospective adopters in that nation state;

Kawaiians do not practice adoption; it goes against our religious beliefs. The text above would have us establish an agency which would have no function and whose stated purpose would be against our culture and traditions.

Perhaps there should be a caveat stating that such "adoption boards" are only required in nations which permit international adoptions?

[Defwa]

In the Name of the Eternal Kawaii, may the Cute One be praised

We acknowledge that this is a significant international issue and well worth this Assembly's time to discuss. However, we are a little disturbed by some of the language in it, particularly:

DEMANDS that each member nation states establishes a state, or semi-state, agency (to be known as National Adoption Boards) to maintain a register of, to vet, and to liaise with prospective adopters in that nation state;

Kawaiians do not practice adoption; it goes against our religious beliefs. The text above would have us establish an agency which would have no function and whose stated purpose would be against our culture and traditions.

Perhaps there should be a caveat stating that such "adoption boards" are only required in nations which permit international adoptions?

I could agree with that.
Nations that choose to offer international adoption should follow one adoption policy but no nation should be compelled to allow international adoption.

[Brilliant Equestria]

"We would also be willing to offer tentative support to the idea provided the above concerns are addressed. Also, this clause is rather worrisome:

FORBIDS WAAA from establishing standards, protocols, and procedures that could reasonably be construed to be discriminatory in any fashion e.g. disallowing an intercountry adoption on the basis of the prospective adopter's, or child's, race, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or religion;

As written, this prevents restrictions targeting legally-unsuitable individuals such as convicted sex offenders. While we acknowledge the reasoning behind it,'discriminatory in any fashion' is far too vague".

[Sanctaria]

Thanks for all the comments. I'll try my best to respond to them as positively as possible.

If you target the text appropriately, I would think that Human Rights could be a possibility. i.e. "Right to Int'l Adoption" or something.

Writing the resolution in such a way that it is Human Rights has been suggested by other Ambassadors. However while I feel adoption is important, and intercountry adoption to be useful and beneficial, I've yet to be convinced that adoption should be a human or civil right. I believe that it should be open to everyone, but I don't want to force it on any nation either.

I've reflected on this and, although I dislike the category, this resolution is regulating a very wealth industry. As such Social Justice is probably the best place for it at this time. Definitely Mild though. Definitely.

Kawaiians do not practice adoption; it goes against our religious beliefs. The text above would have us establish an agency which would have no function and whose stated purpose would be against our culture and traditions.

Perhaps there should be a caveat stating that such "adoption boards" are only required in nations which permit international adoptions?

While I'd have no problem acquiescing to the Ambassador's request, I would be concerned this could result in the proposal breaching the optionality rule. I will come back to the Ambassador on this after I've had time to reflect on the matter. Please take this as a tentative yes, I can change that.

"We would also be willing to offer tentative support to the idea provided the above concerns are addressed. Also, this clause is rather worrisome:

FORBIDS WAAA from establishing standards, protocols, and procedures that could reasonably be construed to be discriminatory in any fashion e.g. disallowing an intercountry adoption on the basis of the prospective adopter's, or child's, race, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or religion;

As written, this prevents restrictions targeting legally-unsuitable individuals such as convicted sex offenders. While we acknowledge the reasoning behind it,'discriminatory in any fashion' is far too vague".

I don't have the Ambassador's fears as the text does say "that could reasonably be construed to be discriminatory". Any reasonable person, and any reasonable scrutiny, would not find denying adoption to a convicted sex offender to go against this clause.

[The Dark Star Republic]

While I'd have no problem acquiescing to the Ambassador's request, I would be concerned this could result in the proposal breaching the optionality rule. I will come back to the Ambassador on this after I've had time to reflect on the matter. Please take this as a tentative yes, I can change that.

"Without commenting on the specific wording, I don't think it would be an optionality violation, any more than a resolution regulating nuclear power plants does not apply to nations that don't allow nuclear power plants.

I don't have the Ambassador's fears as the text does say "that could reasonably be construed to be discriminatory". Any reasonable person, and any reasonable scrutiny, would not find denying adoption to a convicted sex offender to go against this clause.

"True, but it's still a very broad wording. Maybe you could change it to something like 'that runs contrary to the principle of equal protection', given that WA law on that subject (CoCR) allows for 'compelling practical purposes' as an exception.

"We agree on the category change - the spending for this resolution would come out of the Social Welfare budget, and there is a (mild) restriction of commerce and promotion of income equality.

"If your intention really is to outlaw child-selling, though, you may need a more expansive definition. Child-selling need not involve money: it could involve favours, promises, or material goods as media of exchange instead.

"More comments once I've unloaded this box of 5,000 pickle slices."

~ former Ambassador to the WA Inky Fungschlammer
Server, GnomeBurger

[Sanctaria]

Take 2.

It's been updated in the OP also.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

On Intercountry Adoption
A resolution to reduce income inequality and increase basic welfare.

Category: Social Justice | Strength: Mild | Proposed by: Sanctaria

Description: The General Assembly,

UNDERSTANDING that many who desire children are not necessarily able to procreate and that adoption may be their last resort,

BELIEVING that intercountry adoption can be beneficial to individuals who cannot have children and to nations experiencing difficulty with their internal rate of adoption,

FRUSTRATED with the reality that the multitude of member nations each have differing rules and regulations regarding intercountry adoption,

HOPEFUL that the consolidation of these varied rules and regulations will break down barriers to intercountry adoption,

Hereby

DEFINES, for the purpose of this resolution, the following:

i. child: an individual under the age of majority in both the birth country and the host country,
ii. prospective adopter: an individual who is seeking to adopt a child;

DEMANDS that, should one not already exist, each member nation that permits intercountry adoption establish a state or semi-state agency, to be known as National Adoption Boards, which shall have the following duties:

i. to maintain a register of children available within that nation for adoption,
ii. to work with and vet prospective adopters in that nation, and
iii. to liaise with National Adoption Boards in other member nations during intercountry adoption processes;

CREATES the World Assembly Adoption Authority (WAAA) to establish and implement a uniform code of rules and regulations regarding intercountry adoption;

MANDATES that all National Adoption Boards be member organisations of WAAA and that they adhere to all these regulations, procedures, and standards established;

DECLARES that no National Adoption Board may establish regulations, procedures, protocols, or standards regarding intercountry adoption that are contradictory or additional to those established by WAAA;

FORBIDS WAAA from establishing standards, protocols, and procedures that could reasonably be construed to be discriminatory in the following fashion: disallowing an intercountry adoption on the basis of the prospective adopter's, or child's, race, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or religion;

OUTLAWS the practice of buying children, in which considerable and significant amounts of money, and/or in-kind payments, are exchanged to ensure a prospective adopter receives a child, however;

ACKNOWLEDGES that some reasonable fees may be charged by National Adoption Boards for expenses incurred during the adoption process.

[Grays Harbor]

"Dyma mo 'n bosib , rhywbeth gwisgwn t ddeisyf at brydia 'n syth ar gerdded. Ca 'm ddiod. Rhywbeth 'n bybyr."

*ahem*

We approve of this.

This is not possible, something we don't wish to burn straight away. Get me a drink. Something strong.

[The Dark Star Republic]

"On the preamble, you're considering only infertile couples:

UNDERSTANDING that many who desire children are not necessarily able to procreate and that adoption may be their last resort,

"There are many other people who might to wish to adopt, though, from people who are able to procreate but choose not to (such as those with hereditary genetic conditions like Huntington's disease, or those whose ecological views promote zero population growth), to people who adopt children alongside their own birth children, a not-uncommon occurrence. While the preamble doesn't really have any force, I'm not sure it's appropriate to advance such a narrow perspective

"2,384 pickle slices unloaded, 2,616 to go..."

~ former Ambassador to the WA Inky Fungschlammer
Server, GnomeBurger

[Sanctaria]

"On the preamble, you're considering only infertile couples:

UNDERSTANDING that many who desire children are not necessarily able to procreate and that adoption may be their last resort,

"There are many other people who might to wish to adopt, though, from people who are able to procreate but choose not to (such as those with hereditary genetic conditions like Huntington's disease, or those whose ecological views promote zero population growth), to people who adopt children alongside their own birth children, a not-uncommon occurrence. While the preamble doesn't really have any force, I'm not sure it's appropriate to advance such a narrow perspective

You are correct that the preamble is not binding. It's one sentence and I'm conscious of space and text issues. I don't think it's necessary to go into elaborate and extensive detail in something that is not binding and has zero force.

Adoption is open to many and not necessarily only infertile individuals. The binding parts of this resolution doesn't apply only to infertile individuals and that's very clear.

[The Dark Star Republic]

"I'm arguing for less text, not more:

UNDERSTANDING that many who desire children are not necessarily able to procreate and that adoption may be their last resort,

"Don't see why you need to acknowledge this at all: it is privileging one reason for adoption above others.

BELIEVING that intercountry adoption can be beneficial to individuals who wish to adopt children and to nations experiencing difficulty with their internal rate of adoption,

"Opens up the meaning without changing the sense of the overall line."

~ Inky Fungschlammer
3,205 pickles unloaded