Guatemala 3rd in Child Adoption
Adoption of 3,615 children by foreigners in 2005 put Guatemala in third place globally, but that is aggravated by reports of irregular procedures, said UN authorities.

A UNICEF official in Guatemala commented to Prensa Latina, in anonymity, that the adoption situation is of concern because it is unclear.

According to the National General Attorney´s Office (NAGO), in 2005 there were 3,615 cases, basically to US and European families and the country was only surpassed by China and Russia.

NATO pointed out from that figure, 3,441 children were adopted by US people, 17 by Italians, 16 by Israelis, 10 by Irish citizens and 8 by Belgians.

Meanwhile, Casa Alianza denounced that a Guatemalan child adopted by outsiders can cost 30,000 dollars, depending on the case, with the intervention of parents, municipalities, midwives, hospitals and lawyers.

That entity, responsible for ensuring children and teen rights, has insisted before the national Congress to sanction the Adoptions Law, discussed for twelve years ago in the legislative body.