When you think of South Korea; you probably think of BTS, K-Beauty and brands like Hyundai or Samsung. 

But before it became a global economic and pop culture powerhouse, South Korea faced a dark period of authoritarian rule, marked by restricted civil liberties, suppressed political opposition, and human rights violations. The Korea we know today is the result of the sacrifices, resilience, and advocacy of those who fought for the advancement of democracy and human rights. The Australia-United States Korean Rights Group (AUSKRG), a coalition of Korean adoptees raised by families in the U.S. and Australia, has come together to carry on this legacy.

In December 2022, the AUSKRG united with the Danish Korean Rights Group (DKRG) and other international counterparts in demanding an investigation into adoptions that occurred during the authoritarian era. As a result, nearly 400 formal cases have been submitted to Korea’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, revealing recurring systemic patterns, including:

• Adoptees fraudulently being identified as orphans on paper despite having living parents
• Adoptees being sent overseas with the identity and paperwork of another child
• Adoptees being reunited with the wrong Korean families due to falsified documentation
• Biological families being coerced into giving babies up for adoption without proper consent

We, the undersigned, call upon the United States government to take the following actions:

1. Conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations of fraudulent adoptions and the involvement of receiving adoption agencies and intermediaries in the U.S. and its territories.
2. Allocate resources and legal expertise to determine if U.S. or international laws were violated during these adoptions and hold accountable those responsible for any wrongdoing.
3. Demand transparency and accountability from the adoption agencies and intermediaries involved, ensuring they adhere to ethical standards and regulations.
4. Collaborate with the Republic of Korea and other countries involved, such as Australia, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, The Netherlands, and France, to gather and provide a comprehensive account of international adoptions from Korea.
5. Affirm its commitment to human rights by supporting diplomatic efforts to ensure the ongoing security of human rights for adoptees and their families.

Join us in protecting human rights for all adoptees and their families. Your signature on this petition is a powerful step towards justice and safeguarding human rights. Share the petition and raise awareness in your community. Together, let's make a lasting impact and create a brighter future for adoptees worldwide.