ZNAM proposes Family Law changes to allow adoptees access to origin information
Proposal would let a professional commission assess individual requests for origin data while protecting secrecy and the rights of all involved.
The ZNAM Movement has submitted amendments to the Family Law in the Assembly proposing that adopted persons be granted the right to obtain information about their origin.
According to the proposal, the draft sets out precise conditions and circumstances under which adoptees may access such information, while safeguarding the rights of all parties involved.
Evaluation by expert commission, not blanket disclosure
The party says the current legal framework contains no mechanism for individual assessment and gives institutions no room to consider the specific circumstances of each case. ZNAM points to a 2024 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights as confirmation that change is needed.
"In the judgment 'Mitrevska v. Macedonia' of 2024, the Court found a violation because her access to information necessary for her health condition had been completely restricted. To be precise, our state has an obligation to comply with the Strasbourg judgment and to respect the European standards and protection of human rights guaranteed by the Convention," the ZNAM Movement said.
ZNAM stresses that the proposed changes do not abolish the secrecy of adoption or grant access to all data. Instead, they propose that a professional commission assess the circumstances of each individual case and decide on disclosure with due protection for all parties. The party adds that such a mechanism is especially important when the requested information is essential to the adoptee's health.
"This is not a final text of the law, but a proposal by which we initiate a substantive professional and public debate. We invite everyone — experts, civil society organisations, the academic community, the competent institutions and all interested citizens — to take part with their comments and proposals. Our principle is not to propose legislative amendments prepared behind closed doors, without hearing everyone's opinion," ZNAM said.
The movement called on stakeholders to submit remarks and proposals as the amendment proceeds through the parliamentary process.
Photo: MIA
