The Hague (The Netherlands), 14th November 2022: On the 14th of November 2022, the Embassy of Botswana deposited three instruments of accession, as follows:
- Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Child Abduction Convention);
- Convention of 29 May 1993 on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Adoption Convention); and
- Convention of 23 November 2007 on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance (Child Support Convention).
The three Conventions will enter into force as follows:
- Child Abduction Convention – 1st February 2023;
- Adoption Convention – 1st March 2023;
- Child Support Convention – 16th November 2023.
By acceding to these three instruments, the Government solidifies its commitment towards strengthening the protection of children within and across borders. The new Conventions will buttress the existing national legislation to secure the protection of children and provide for the best interest and welfare of the child. Following accession, the Government will work with HCCH to develop an action plan to ensure systematic implementation of the Conventions.