Iraq and the Hague Convention

Map of .
Source: cia.gov.

Iraq is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ( Hague Adoption Convention ). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for Iraq did not change.

The Department of State does not maintain files on the adoption process in Iraq because adoptions from Iraq are rare; fewer than five adoptions by American citizen parents have taken place since 2000. Islamic Shari'a Law does not allow for adoption as it is recognized in the United States; rather, they allow for "guardianship". American Citizens interested in adopting from Iraq are encouraged to read more about Islamic Shari'a Law. Please visit the Department's Country Specific Information sheets for more information on travelling to Iraq and the U.S. Embassy Baghdad's website for information on consular services.

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