The untold story of the Romanian ‘orphans’

Romania – for export only

Romania needed to reform its child rights policy, as one of the conditions for its future EU Membership. Large 'orphanages' were closed and replaced by modern child protection alternatives.

The author kept a diary on her work for the European Commission that aimed to help Romania reform its child protection.

She soon found out that the inter-country adoption system in place was nothing short of a market for children, riddled by corruption. After international criticism this practice was halted temporarily. When redrafting laws, it became clear that in Romania's reformed child protection there was neither place nor need for inter-country adoptions.

A ferocious lobby that wants to maintain inter-country adoptions stepped out.

The reader is taken along on an eight-year-travel, and will be shown the story of the Romanian 'orphans' from a different light, where global politics and private interests compete with the rights of the child.


“Roelie Post dares to describe a taboo-issue that can compare with the works of Noreena Hertz and the movie Constant Gardener. Unfortunately such reporting does not receive a lot of media attention. A nest of scorpions (big business interests), and the large demand for adoptable children create a functioning market.” - Hilbrand Westra, United Adoptees International


"As a former European Commission official, I know that it is not obvious to write such a book. It is courageous and necessary to put this story on paper, as many misconceptions about the Romanian children's adoption issue float around and have even caused the European Parliament to adopt a misguided written declaration on this issue. Well done Roelie!" – Paul van Buitenen Member of the European Parliament

• ISBN: 90-78829-01-X
• Publisher: EuroComment Diffusion
• Author: Roelie Post
• Language: English
• Type: Paperback 230mm x 150mm

Price: 21.60 €

Price is exclusive shipping costs. For sales inside Belgium 6% VAT is added to the book price.