1.pants. 1993.gada 29.maija Hāgas konvencija par bērnu aizsardzību un sadarbību starpvalstu adopcijas jautājumos (turpmāk – Konvencija) ar šo likumu tiek pieņemta un apstiprināta.

2.pants. Saskaņā ar Konvencijas 6.pantu centrālā iestāde Konvencijas izpildei Latvijas Republikā ir Tieslietu ministrija.

3.pants. Saskaņā ar Konvencijas 13.pantu Konvencijas 11. un 12.pantā minētās funkcijas Latvijas Republikā pilda bāriņtiesas un pagasttiesas.

4.pants. Saskaņā ar Konvencijas 22.panta otro daļu bāriņtiesas un pagasttiesas pilda centrālās iestādes funkcijas Konvencijas 15., 16. un 21.panta nosacījumu izpildei. Par Konvencijas 16.panta otrajā daļā paredzētā ziņojuma sniegšanu ir atbildīga Tieslietu ministrija.

5.pants. Saskaņā ar Konvencijas 23.panta otro daļu Latvijas Republikas tiesa izdod apliecinājumu par to, kas ir tiesas spriedums ar adopciju saistītos jautājumos un kas pilda adopciju apstiprinoša sertifikāta funkcijas šīs Konvencijas izpratnē.

6.pants. Ārlietu ministrija par Latvijas Republikas izdarītajiem paziņojumiem informē Nīderlandes Karalistes Ārlietu ministriju (saskaņā ar Konvencijas 22. un 23.pantu) un Hāgas Starptautisko privāttiesību konferences pastāvīgo biroju (saskaņā ar Konvencijas 13. un 23.pantu).

7.pants. Likums stājas spēkā tā izsludināšanas dienā. Līdz ar likumu izsludināma Konvencija angļu valodā un tās tulkojums latviešu valodā.

8.pants. Konvencija stājas spēkā tās 46.pantā noteiktajā laikā un kārtībā, un Ārlietu ministrija par to paziņo laikrakstā "Latvijas Vēstnesis".

“1993.gada 29.maija Hāgas konvencijas par bērnu

aizsardzību un sadarbību starpvalstu adopcijas jautājumos”

*) Vidēji piecu gadu laikā pēc kārtējā gada

{0>CONVENTION ON PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND CO-OPERATION IN RESPECT OF INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION<}0{>KONVENCIJA PAR BĒRNU AIZSARDZĪBU UN SADARBĪBU STARPVALSTU ADOPCIJAS JAUTĀJUMOS<0}

{0>The States signatory to the present Convention,<}88{>Šīs konvencijas parakstītājvalstis,<0}

{0>Recognizing that the child, for the full and harmonious development of his or her personality, should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding,<}0{>Atzīstot, ka savas personības pilnvērtīgai un harmoniskai attīstībai bērnam būtu jāaug ģimenē un laimes, mīlestības un izpratnes gaisotnē,<0}

{0>Recalling that each State should take, as a matter of priority, appropriate measures to enable the child to remain in the care of his or her family of origin,<}0{>Atgādinot, ka katrai valstij prioritārā kārtībā būtu jāveic attiecīgi pasākumi, lai nodrošinātu bērnam iespēju palikt savas izcelsmes ģimenes aprūpē,<0}

{0>Recognizing that intercountry adoption may offer the advantage of a permanent family to a child for whom a suitable family cannot be found in his or her State of origin,<}0{>Atzīstot, ka starpvalstu adopcijas ceļā var nodrošināt pastāvīgas ģimenes priekšrocības bērnam, kam piemērota ģimene nav atrodama viņa vai viņas izcelsmes valstī,<0}

{0>Convinced of the necessity to take measures to ensure that intercountry adoptions are made in the best interests of the child and with respect for his or her fundamental rights, and to prevent the abduction, the sale of, or traffic in children,<}0{>Pārliecībā par vajadzību veikt pasākumus, lai nodrošinātu to, ka starpvalstu adopcijas tiek veiktas atbilstoši bērna interesēm un, ievērojot viņa vai viņas pamattiesības, un novērstu bērnu nolaupīšanu, tirdzniecību vai nelikumīgu pārvietošanu,<0}

{0>Desiring to establish common provisions to this effect, taking into account the principles set forth in international instruments, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, of 20 November 1989, and the United Nations Declaration on Social and Legal Principles relating to the Protection and Welfare of Children, with Special Reference to Foster Placement and Adoption Nationally and Internationally (General Assembly Resolution 41/85, of 3 December 1986),<}0{>Vēloties šajā jautājumā ieviest kopīgus noteikumus, ņemot vērā principus, kas noteikti starptautiskajos dokumentos, jo īpaši 1989. gada 20. novembra Apvienoto Nāciju Organizācijas konvencijā par bērna tiesībām un Apvienoto Nāciju Organizācijas deklarācijā par sociālajiem un juridiskajiem principiem attiecībā uz bērnu aizsardzību un labklājību ar īpašu norādi uz iekārtošanu adoptētāju aprūpē un vietējo un starptautisko adopciju (1986. gada 3. decembra Ģenerālās Asamblejas Rezolūcija 41/85),<0}

{0>Have agreed upon the following provisions –<}0{>Ir vienojušās par šādiem noteikumiem -<0}

{0>Article 1<}100{>1. pants<0}

{0>The objects of the present Convention are –<}0{>Šīs konvencijas mērķi ir -<0}

{0>a) to establish safeguards to ensure that intercountry adoptions take place in the best interests of the child and with respect for his or her fundamental rights as recognized in international law;<}0{>a) noteikt garantijas, lai nodrošinātu, ka starpvalstu adopcija tiek veikta atbilstoši bērna interesēm un ievērojot viņa vai viņas starptautiskajās tiesībās atzītās pamattiesības;<0}

{0>b) to establish a system of co-operation amongst Contracting States to ensure that those safeguards are respected and thereby prevent the abduction, the sale of, or traffic in children;<}0{>b) līgumslēdzēju valstu starpā izveidot sadarbības sistēmu, lai nodrošinātu šo garantiju ievērošanu un tādējādi novērstu bērnu nolaupīšanu, tirdzniecību vai nelikumīgu pārvietošanu;<0}

{0>c) to secure the recognition in Contracting States of adoptions made in accordance with the Convention.<}0{>c) nodrošināt, lai saskaņā ar šo konvenciju veiktās adopcijas tiktu atzītas līgumslēdzējās valstīs.<0}

{0>Article 2<}100{>2. pants<0}

{0>(1) The Convention shall apply where a child habitually resident in one Contracting State ("the State of origin") has been, is being, or is to be moved to another Contracting State ("the receiving State") either after his or her adoption in the State of origin by spouses or a person habitually resident in the receiving State, or for the purposes of such an adoption in the receiving State or in the State of origin.<}0{>(1) Šo konvenciju piemēro, ja bērns, kura pastāvīgā dzīvesvieta ir vienā līgumslēdzējā valstī ("izcelsmes valsts"), ir ticis, tiek vai tiks pārvietots uz otru līgumslēdzēju valsti ("saņēmējvalsts") vai nu pēc tam, kad viņu izcelsmes valstī ir adoptējuši laulātie vai persona, kuru pastāvīgā dzīvesvieta ir saņēmējvalstī, vai šādas adopcijas veikšanai saņēmējvalstī vai izcelsmes valstī.<0}

{0>(2) The Convention covers only adoptions which create a permanent parent-child relationship.<}0{>(2) Šī konvencija attiecas tikai uz adopciju, kas rada pastāvīgas vecāku un bērnu attiecības.<0}

{0>Article 3<}100{>3. pants<0}

{0>The Convention ceases to apply if the agreements mentioned in Article 17, sub-paragraph c, have not been given before the child attains the age of eighteen years.<}0{>Šo Šo konvenciju nepiemēro, ja 17. panta c) apakšpunktā minētās piekrišanas nav sniegtas līdz laikam, kad bērns ir sasniedzis astoņpadsmit gadu vecumu.<0}

{0>Article 4<}100{>4. pants<0}

{0>An adoption within the scope of the Convention shall take place only if the competent authorities of the State of origin –<}0{>Adopciju saskaņā ar šo konvenciju veic tikai tad, ja izcelsmes valsts kompetentās iestādes -<0}

a) ir atzinušas, ka bērns ir adoptējams;{0>

<}100{>

<0}

{0>b) have determined, after possibilities for placement of the child within the State of origin have been given due consideration, that an intercountry adoption is in the child's best interests;<}0{>b) pēc tam, kad ir pienācīgi izskatītas iespējas bērna adopcijai izcelsmes valstī, ir atzinušas, ka bērna interesēm vislabāk atbilst starpvalstu adopcija;<0}

{0>c) have ensured that<}0{>c) ir nodrošinājušas, ka<0}

{0>(1) the persons, institutions and authorities whose consent is necessary for adoption, have been counselled as may be necessary and duly informed of the effects of their consent, in particular whether or not an adoption will result in the termination of the legal relationship between the child and his or her family of origin,<}0{>(1) ir veiktas vajadzīgās konsultācijas ar tām personām, organizācijām un iestādēm, kuru piekrišana ir vajadzīga adopcijai, un tām ir pienācīgi paziņots par viņu piekrišanas sekām, jo īpaši jautājumā par to, vai adopcija radīs vai neradīs tiesisko attiecību izbeigšanos starp bērnu un viņa vai viņas izcelsmes ģimeni,<0}

{0>(2) such persons, institutions and authorities have given their consent freely, in the required legal form, and expressed or evidenced in writing,<}0{>(2) attiecīgās personas, organizācijas un iestādes ir brīvi devušas savu piekrišanu noteiktā juridiskā formā un to paudušas vai apliecinājušas rakstiski,<0}

{0>(3) the consents have not been induced by payment or compensation of any kind and have not been withdrawn, and<}0{>(3) piekrišana nav dota saistībā ar jebkāda veida maksājumu vai atlīdzību un tā nav atsaukta, un<0}

{0>(4) the consent of the mother, where required, has been given only after the birth of the child;<}0{>(4) mātes piekrišana, ja tāda tiek pieprasīta, ir dota tikai pēc bērna piedzimšanas;<0} {0>and<}100{>un<0}

{0>d) have ensured, having regard to the age and degree of maturity of the child, that<}0{>d) ņemot vērā bērna vecumu un brieduma pakāpi, ir nodrošinājušas, ka<0}

{0>(1) he or she has been counselled and duly informed of the effects of the adoption and of his or her consent to the adoption, where such consent is required,<}0{>(1) ar viņu ir veiktas apspriedes un viņam vai viņai ir pienācīgi paziņots par adopcijas sekām un viņa vai viņas piekrišanu adopcijai gadījumā, ja šāda piekrišana tiek pieprasīta,<0}

{0>(2) consideration has been given to the child's wishes and opinions,<}0{>(2) ir ņemtas vērā bērna vēlmes un apsvērumi,<0}

{0>(3) the child's consent to the adoption, where such consent is required, has been given freely, in the required legal form, and expressed or evidenced in writing, and<}0{>(3) bērna piekrišana adopcijai gadījumā, ja šāda piekrišana tiek pieprasīta, ir dota brīvi, noteiktā juridiskā formā un pausta vai apliecināta rakstiski, un<0}

{0>(4) such consent has not been induced by payment or compensation of any kind.<}0{>(4) šāda piekrišana nav dota saistībā ar jebkāda veida maksājumu vai atlīdzību.<0}

{0>Article 5<}100{>5. pants<0}

{0>An adoption within the scope of the Convention shall take place only if the competent authorities of the receiving State –<}89{>Adopciju saskaņā ar šo konvenciju veic tikai tad, ja saņēmējvalsts kompetentās iestādes <0}

{0>a) have determined that the prospective adoptive parents are eligible and suited to adopt;<}0{>a) ir atzinušas, ka iespējamie adoptētāji ir tiesīgi veikt adopciju un ir tam piemēroti;<0}

{0>b) have ensured that the prospective adoptive parents have been counselled as may be necessary;<}0{>b) ir nodrošinājušas, ka ar iespējamajiem adoptētājiem ir veiktas vajadzīgās konsultācijas;<0} {0>and<}100{>un<0}

{0>c) have determined that the child is or will be authorized to enter and reside permanently in that State.<}0{>c) ir atzinušas, ka bērnam ir vai būs atļauts ierasties un pastāvīgi uzturēties attiecīgajā valstī.<0}

{0>Article 6<}100{>6. pants<0}

{0>(1) A Contracting State shall designate a Central Authority to discharge the duties which are imposed by the Convention upon such authorities.<}0{>(1) Līgumslēdzēja valsts nozīmē centrālo iestādi, kas veic pienākumus, ko šādām iestādēm uzliek šī konvencija.<0}

{0>(2) Federal States, States with more than one system of law or States having autonomous territorial units shall be free to appoint more than one Central Authority and to specify the territorial or personal extent of their functions.<}0{>(2) Federālās valstis, valstis ar vairākām tiesību sistēmām un valstis ar autonomām teritoriālajām vienībām drīkst nozīmēt vairākas centrālās iestādes un norādīt to funkciju apmēru attiecībā uz teritoriju vai personām.<0} Ja{0>Where a State has appointed more than one Central Authority, it shall designate the Central Authority to which any communication may be addressed for transmission to the appropriate Central Authority within that State.<}0{>Ja kāda valsts ir nozīmējusi vairākas centrālās iestādes, tā norāda centrālo iestādi, kam ir adresējama jebkura sarakste un kas to nodod tālāk attiecīgajai centrālajai iestādei šajā valstī.<0}

{0>Article 7<}100{>7. pants<0}

{0>(1) Central Authorities shall co-operate with each other and promote co-operation amongst the competent authorities in their States to protect children and to achieve the other objects of the Convention.<}0{>(1) Centrālās iestādes savstarpēji sadarbojas un veicina sadarbību starp savu valstu kompetentajām iestādēm bērnu aizsardzībā un citu šīs konvencijas mērķu sasniegšanai.<0}

{0>(2) They shall take directly all appropriate measures to –<}0{>(2) Tās tieši veic visus vajadzīgos pasākumus, lai <0}

{0>a) provide information as to the laws of their States concerning adoption and other general information, such as statistics and standard forms;<}0{>a) sniegtu informāciju par savu valstu likumiem attiecībā uz adopciju un citu vispārēja rakstura informāciju, piemēram, par statistiku un standarta veidlapām;<0}

{0>b) keep one another informed about the operation of the Convention and, as far as possible, eliminate any obstacles to its application.<}0{>b) cita citu informētu par šīs konvencijas darbību un, cik vien iespējams, novērstu jebkādus šķēršļus tās piemērošanā.<0}

{0>Article 8<}100{>8. pants<0}

{0>Central Authorities shall take, directly or through public authorities, all appropriate measures to prevent improper financial or other gain in connection with an adoption and to deter all practices contrary to the objects of the Convention.<}0{>Centrālās iestādes tieši vai caur valsts iestādēm veic visus vajadzīgos pasākumus, lai novērstu nepamatotu finansiālu vai citu labumu gūšanu saistībā ar adopciju un atturētu no jebkādām darbībām, kas ir pretrunā ar šīs konvencijas mērķiem.<0}

{0>Article 9<}100{>9. pants<0}

{0>Central Authorities shall take, directly or through public authorities or other bodies duly accredited in their State, all appropriate measures, in particular to –<}0{>Centrālās iestādes tieši vai ar valsts iestāžu vai citu savā valstī pienācīgi oficiāli atzītu institūciju starpniecību veic visus vajadzīgos pasākumus, jo īpaši, lai <0}

{0>a) collect, preserve and exchange information about the situation of the child and the prospective adoptive parents, so far as is necessary to complete the adoption;<}0{>a) ievāktu, saglabātu un apmainītos ar informāciju par bērna un iespējamo adoptētāju stāvokli, ciktāl tas ir vajadzīgs adopcijas īstenošanai;<0}

{0>b) facilitate, follow and expedite proceedings with a view to obtaining the adoption;<}0{>b) vienkāršotu adopcijas nokārtošanas procesus, tiem sekotu un tos paātrinātu;<0}

{0>c) promote the development of adoption counselling and post-adoption services in their States;<}0{>c) veicinātu adopcijas konsultāciju un pēcadopcijas dienestu izveidi savās valstīs;<0}

{0>d) provide each other with general evaluation reports about experience with intercountry adoption;<}0{>d) cita citai iesniegtu vispārējā novērtējuma ziņojumus par pieredzi saistībā ar starpvalstu adopciju;<0}

{0>e) reply, in so far as is permitted by the law of their State, to justified requests from other Central Authorities or public authorities for information about a particular adoption situation.<}0{>e) atbildētu, ciktāl to atļauj attiecīgās valsts tiesību akti, uz citu centrālo iestāžu vai valsts iestāžu pienācīgi pamatotiem informācijas pieprasījumiem par konkrētu adopcijas gadījumu.<0}

{0>Article 10<}100{>10. pants<0}

{0>Accreditation shall only be granted to and maintained by bodies demonstrating their competence to carry out properly the tasks with which they may be entrusted.<}0{>Institūcijas kļūst un pastāv kā oficiāli atzītas, tikai ja apliecina spēju pienācīgi veikt tām uzticētos pienākumus.<0}

{0>Article 11<}100{>11. pants<0}

{0>An accredited body shall –<}0{>Oficiāli atzītā institūcija <0}

{0>a) pursue only non-profit objectives according to such conditions and within such limits as may be established by the competent authorities of the State of accreditation;<}0{>a) nodarbojas vienīgi ar bezpeļņas darbību atbilstoši oficiāli atzīstošās valsts kompetento iestāžu noteiktajiem nosacījumiem un ievērojot to noteiktos ierobežojumus;<0}

{0>b) be directed and staffed by persons qualified by their ethical standards and by training or experience to work in the field of intercountry adoption;<}0{>b) darbojas tādu personu vadībā un nodarbina tādas personas, kuras pēc savām ētiskajām īpašībām, izglītības vai pieredzes var veikt darbu starpvalstu adopcijas jomā;<0} {0>and<}100{>un<0}

{0>c) be subject to supervision by competent authorities of that State as to its composition, operation and financial situation.<}0{>c) ir attiecīgās valsts kompetentu iestāžu pārraudzībā attiecībā uz to izveidi, darbību un finansiālo stāvokli.<0}

{0>Article 12<}100{>12. pants<0}

{0>A body accredited in one Contracting State may act in another Contracting State only if the competent authorities of both States have authorized it to do so.<}0{>I Institūcija, kas ir oficiāli atzīta vienā līgumslēdzējā valstī, drīkst darboties otrā līgumslēdzējā valstī tikai tad, ja to ir atļāvušas abu valstu kompetentās iestādes.<0}

{0>Article 13<}100{>13. pants<0}

{0>The designation of the Central Authorities and, where appropriate, the extent of their functions, as well as the names and addresses of the accredited bodies shall be communicated by each Contracting State to the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.<}0{>PPPPar centrālo iestāžu nozīmēšanu un, vajadzības gadījumā, par to funkciju apmēru, kā arī par oficiāli atzīto institūciju nosaukumiem un adresēm katra līgumslēdzēja valsts paziņo Hāgas Starptautisko privāttiesību konferences pastāvīgajam birojam.<0}

{0>Article 14<}100{>14. pants<0}

{0>Persons habitually resident in a Contracting State, who wish to adopt a child habitually resident in another Contracting State, shall apply to the Central Authority in the State of their habitual residence.<}0{> Personas, kas pastāvīgi dzīvo vienā līgumslēdzējā valstī un kas vēlas adoptēt bērnu, kura pastāvīgā dzīvesvieta ir otrā līgumslēdzējā valstī, vēršas savas pastāvīgās dzīvesvietas valsts centrālajā iestādē.<0}

{0>Article 15<}100{>15. pants<0}

{0>(1) If the Central Authority of the receiving State is satisfied that the applicants are eligible and suited to adopt, it shall prepare a report including information about their identity, eligibility and suitability to adopt, background, family and medical history, social environment, reasons for adoption, ability to undertake an intercountry adoption, as well as the characteristics of the children for whom they would be qualified to care.<}0{>(1) Ja saņēmējvalsts centrālā iestāde ir pārliecinājusies, ka pretendenti ir tiesīgi veikt adopciju un ir tam piemēroti, tā sagatavo ziņojumu, kurā ir ietvertas ziņas par viņu identitāti, tiesīgumu un piemērotību adopcijas veikšanai, personas datiem, ģimenes un medicīnisko vēsturi, sociālo vidi, adopcijas iemesliem, spēju u zņemties starpvalstu adopciju, kā arī to bērnu raksturojums, par kuriem viņi varētu rūpēties.<0}

{0>(2) It shall transmit the report to the Central Authority of the State of origin.<}0{>(2) Tā nosūta ziņojumu izcelsmes valsts centrālajai iestādei.<0}

{0>Article 16<}100{>16. pants<0}

{0>(1) If the Central Authority of the State of origin is satisfied that the child is adoptable, it shall –<}0{>(1) Ja izcelsmes valsts centrālā iestāde pārliecinās par to, ka bērns ir adoptējams, tā <0}

{0>a) prepare a report including information about his or her identity, adoptability, background, social environment, family history, medical history including that of the child's family, and any special needs of the child;<}0{>a) sagatavo ziņojumu, kurā ir ietvertas ziņas par viņa vai viņas identitāti, adoptējamību, personas, sociālās vides, ģimenes vēsturi, medicīnisko vēsturi, t.sk. bērna ģimenes medicīnisko vēsturi, un par jebkādām bērna īpašajām vajadzībām;<0}

{0>b) give due consideration to the child's upbringing and to his or her ethnic, religious and cultural background;<}0{>b) pienācīgi apsver bērna audzināšanu un viņa vai viņas etnisko, reliģisko un kultūras izcelsmi;<0}

{0>c) ensure that consents have been obtained in accordance with Article 4;<}0{>c) nodrošina, ka piekrišanas ir iegūtas saskaņā ar 4. pantu;<0} {0>and<}100{>un<0}

{0>d) determine, on the basis in particular of the reports relating to the child and the prospective adoptive parents, whether the envisaged placement is in the best interests of the child.<}0{>d) nosaka, jo īpaši pamatojoties uz ziņojumiem par bērnu un iespējamajiem adoptētājiem, vai paredzētā iekārtošana atbilst bērna interesēm.<0}

{0>(2) It shall transmit to the Central Authority of the receiving State its report on the child, proof that the necessary consents have been obtained and the reasons for its determination on the placement, taking care not to reveal the identity of the mother and the father if, in the State of origin, these identities may not be disclosed.<}0{>(2) Tā nosūta saņēmējvalsts centrālajai iestādei savu ziņojumu par bērnu, pierādījumu tam, ka ir iegūtas vajadzīgās piekrišanas, un pamatojumu savam lēmumam par iekārtošanu, rūpējoties par to, lai netiktu izpausta mātes un tēva identitāte, ja izcelsmes valstī šīs identitātes nedrīkst izpaust.<0}

{0>Article 17<}100{>17. pants<0}

{0>Any decision in the State of origin that a child should be entrusted to prospective adoptive parents may only be made if –<}0{>Jebkuru lēmumu par to, ka bērns būtu jāuztic iespējamajiem adoptētājiem, izcelsmes valstī var pieņemt tikai tad, ja <0}

{0>a) the Central Authority of that State has ensured that the prospective adoptive parents agree;<}0{>a) šīs valsts centrālā iestāde ir nodrošinājusi iespējamo adoptētāju piekrišanu;<0}

{0>b) the Central Authority of the receiving State has approved such decision, where such approval is required by the law of that State or by the Central Authority of the State of origin;<}0{>b) saņēmējvalsts centrālā iestāde ir apstiprinājusi šādu lēmumu, gadījumos, kad šādu apstiprinājumu pieprasa attiecīgās valsts tiesību akti vai izcelsmes valsts centrālā iestāde;<0}

{0>c) the Central Authorities of both States have agreed that the adoption may proceed;<}0{>c) abu valstu centrālās iestādes ir vienojušās par to, ka adopciju var turpināt;<0} {0>and<}100{>un<0}

{0>d) it has been determined, in accordance with Article 5, that the prospective adoptive parents are eligible and suited to adopt and that the child is or will be authorized to enter and reside permanently in the receiving State.<}0{>d) saskaņā ar 5. pantu ir noteikts, ka iespējamie adoptētāji ir tiesīgi veikt adopciju un ir tai piemēroti un bērnam ir vai būs atļauts ierasties un pastāvīgi uzturēties saņēmējvalstī.<0}

{0>Article 18<}100{>18. pants<0}

{0>The Central Authorities of both States shall take all necessary steps to obtain permission for the child to leave the State of origin and to enter and reside permanently in the receiving State.<}0{>Abu valstu centrālās iestādes veic visus vajadzīgos pasākumus, lai iegūtu bērnam atļauju atstāt izcelsmes valsti un ierasties, un pastāvīgi uzturēties saņēmējvalstī.<0}

{0>Article 19<}100{>19. pants<0}

{0>(1) The transfer of the child to the receiving State may only be carried out if the requirements of Article 17 have been satisfied.<}0{>(1) Bērna pārvešanu uz saņēmējvalsti var veikt tikai tad, ja ir izpildītas 17. pantā noteiktās prasības.<0}

{0>(2) The Central Authorities of both States shall ensure that this transfer takes place in secure and appropriate circumstances and, if possible, in the company of the adoptive or prospective adoptive parents.<}0{>(2) Abu valstu centrālās iestādes nodrošina, lai šī pārvešana notiktu drošos un pienācīgos apstākļos un, ja iespējams, adoptētāju vai iespējamo adoptētāju pavadībā.<0}

{0>(3) If the transfer of the child does not take place, the reports referred to in Articles 15 and 16 are to be sent back to the authorities who forwarded them.<}0{>(3) Ja bērna pārvešana nenotiek, 15. un 16. pantā minētos ziņojumus nosūta atpakaļ iestādēm, kuras tos ir iesniegušas.<0}

{0>Article 20<}100{>20. pants<0}

{0>The Central Authorities shall keep each other informed about the adoption process and the measures taken to complete it, as well as about the progress of the placement if a probationary period is required.<}0{>Centrālās iestādes cita citu informē par adopcijas gaitu un pasākumiem, kas veikti tās pabeigšanai, kā arī par iekārtošanas gaitu, ja ir noteikts pārbaudes laiks.<0}

{0>Article 21<}100{>21. pants<0}

{0>(1) Where the adoption is to take place after the transfer of the child to the receiving State and it appears to the Central Authority of that State that the continued placement of the child with the prospective adoptive parents is not in the child's best interests, such Central Authority shall take the measures necessary to protect the child, in particular –<}0{>(1) Ja adopcijai jānotiek pēc bērna pārvešanas uz saņēmējvalsti un attiecīgās valsts centrālā iestāde uzskata, ka turpmāka bērna iekārtošana pie iespējamajiem adoptētājiem neatbilst bērna interesēm, attiecīgā centrālā iestāde veic vajadzīgos pasākumus bērna aizsardzībai, jo īpaši, lai <0}

{0>a) to cause the child to be withdrawn from the prospective adoptive parents and to arrange temporary care;<}0{>a) nodrošinātu bērna atņemšanu iespējamajiem adoptētājiem un nodrošinātu īslaicīgu aprūpi;<0}

{0>b) in consultation with the Central Authority of the State of origin, to arrange without delay a new placement of the child with a view to adoption or, if this is not appropriate, to arrange alternative long-term care;<}0{>b) konsultējoties ar izcelsmes valsts centrālo iestādi, nekavējoties noorganizētu jaunu bērna iekārtošanu, kam sekotu adopcija, vai, ja tas nav piemērojams, noorganizētu alternatīvu ilgstošu aprūpi;<0} {0>an adoption shall not take place until the Central Authority of the State of origin has been duly informed concerning the new prospective adoptive parents;<}0{>adopcija nenotiek, kamēr izcelsmes valsts centrālajai iestādei nav pienācīgi paziņots par jaunajiem iespējamajiem adoptētājiem;<0}

{0>c) as a last resort, to arrange the return of the child, if his or her interests so require.<}0{>c) izmantojot to kā galēju līdzekli, noorganizētu bērna atgriešanos, ja tas atbilst viņa vai viņas interesēm.<0}

{0>(2) Having regard in particular to the age and degree of maturity of the child, he or she shall be consulted and, where appropriate, his or her consent obtained in relation to measures to be taken under this Article.<}0{>(2) Jo īpaši ņemot vērā bērna vecumu un brieduma pakāpi, ar viņu konsultējas un, vajadzības gadījumā, iegūst viņa vai viņas piekrišanu attiecībā uz pasākumiem, ko jāveic saskaņā ar šo pantu.<0}

{0>Article 22<}100{>22. pants<0}

{0>(1) The functions of a Central Authority under this Chapter may be performed by public authorities or by bodies accredited under Chapter III, to the extent permitted by the law of its State.<}0{>(1) Šajā nodaļā noteiktās centrālās iestādes funkcijas valsts iestādes vai saskaņā ar III. nodaļu oficiāli atzītās institūcijas var veikt attiecīgās valsts tiesību aktu atļautajā apmērā.<0}

{0>(2) Any Contracting State may declare to the depositary of the Convention that the functions of the Central Authority under Articles 15 to 21 may be performed in that State, to the extent permitted by the law and subject to the supervision of the competent authorities of that State, also by bodies or persons who –<}0{>(2) Jebkura līgumslēdzēja valsts var paziņot šīs konvencijas depozitārijam, ka centrālās iestādes funkcijas saskaņā ar 15. līdz 21. pantu attiecīgās valsts tiesību aktu atļautajā apmērā un tās kompetento iestāžu pārraudzībā var pildīt arī institūcijas vai personas, kas

{0>a) meet the requirements of integrity, professional competence, experience and accountability of that State;<}0{>a) atbilst attiecīgās valsts izvirzītajām godīguma, profesionālās kompetences, pieredzes un atbildības prasībām;<0} {0>and<}100{>un<0}

{0>b) are qualified by their ethical standards and by training or experience to work in the field of intercountry adoption.<}71{>b) pēc savām ētiskajām īpašībām, izglītības vai pieredzes var veikt darbu starpvalstu adopcijas jomā.<0}

{0>(3) A Contracting State which makes the declaration provided for in paragraph 2 shall keep the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law informed of the names and addresses of these bodies and persons.<}0{>(3) Līgumslēdzēja valsts, kas veic 2. punktā paredzēto paziņošanu, informē Hāgas Starptautisko privāttiesību konferences pastāvīgo biroju par attiecīgo institūciju un personu vārdiem vai nosaukumiem un adresēm.<0}

{0>(4) Any Contracting State may declare to the depositary of the Convention that adoptions of children habitually resident in its territory may only take place if the functions of the Central Authorities are performed in accordance with paragraph 1.<}0{>(4) Jebkura līgumslēdzēja valsts var paziņot šīs konvencijas depozitārijam, ka tādu bērnu adopciju, kuru pastāvīgā dzīvesvieta ir tās teritorijā, var veikt tikai gadījumā, ja centrālo iestāžu funkcijas tiek izpildītas saskaņā ar 1. punktu.<0}

{0>(5) Notwithstanding any declaration made under paragraph 2, the reports provided for in Articles 15 and 16 shall, in every case, be prepared under the responsibility of the Central Authority or other authorities or bodies in accordance with paragraph 1.<}0{>(5) Neatkarīgi no jebkura paziņojuma, kas sniegts saskaņā ar 2. punktu, 15. un 16. pantā paredzētos ziņojumus jebkurā gadījumā sagatavo centrālās iestādes vai citu saskaņā ar 1. punktu izveidotu iestāžu vai institūciju uzraudzībā.<0}

{0>Article 23<}100{>23. pants<0}

{0>(1) An adoption certified by the competent authority of the State of the adoption as having been made in accordance with the Convention shall be recognized by operation of law in the other Contracting States.<}0{>(1) Adopcija, kuras veikšanu atbilstoši šai konvencijai ir apliecinājusi adopcijas valsts kompetentā iestāde, ir pēc likuma atzīstama citās līgumslēdzējās valstīs. <0}{0>The certificate shall specify when and by whom the agreements under Article 17, sub-paragraph c), were given.<}0{>Apliecībā norāda, kad un kas ir devis piekrišanas saskaņā ar 17. panta c) apakšpunktu.<0}

{0>(2) Each Contracting State shall, at the time of signature, ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, notify the depositary of the Convention of the identity and the functions of the authority or the authorities which, in that State, are competent to make the certification.<}0{>(2) Šīs konvencijas parakstīšanas, ratificēšanas, pieņemšanas, apstiprināšanas laikā vai tai pievienojoties, katra līgumslēdzēja valsts paziņo konvencijas depozitārijam tās iestādes vai iestāžu identitāti un funkcijas, kas šajā valstī ir tiesīgas sniegt apliecinājumu.<0} {0>It shall also notify the depositary of any modification in the designation of these authorities.<}0{>Tā paziņo depozitārijam arī par jebkurām izmaiņām šo iestāžu nozīmēšanā.<0}

{0>Article 24<}100{>24. pants<0}

{0>The recognition of an adoption may be refused in a Contracting State only if the adoption is manifestly contrary to its public policy, taking into account the best interests of the child.<}0{>Adopciju līgumslēdzējā valstī var neatzīt tikai tad, ja adopcija, ievērojot bērna intereses, ir klajā pretrunā ar tās sabiedrisko kārtību.<0}

{0>Article 25<}100{>25. pants<0}

{0>Any Contracting State may declare to the depositary of the Convention that it will not be bound under this Convention to recognize adoptions made in accordance with an agreement concluded by application of Article 39, paragraph 2.<}0{>Jebkura līgumslēdzēja valsts var paziņot šīs konvencijas depozitārijam, ka tā neuzņemsies saistības atzīt, ievērojot šo konvenciju, tās adopcijas, kas ir veiktas saskaņā ar nolīgumu, kurš noslēgts, piemērojot 39. panta 2. punktu. <0}

{0>Article 26<}100{>26. pants<0}

{0>(1) The recognition of an adoption includes recognition of<}0{>(1) Adopcija tiek atzīta, atzīstot<0}

{0>a) the legal parent-child relationship between the child and his or her adoptive parents;<}0{>a) vecāku un bērnu tiesiskās attiecības starp bērnu un viņa vai viņas adoptētājiem;<0}

{0>b) parental responsibility of the adoptive parents for the child;<}0{>b) adoptētāju atbildību par bērnu;<0}

{0>c) the termination of a pre-existing legal relationship between the child and his or her mother and father, if the adoption has this effect in the Contracting State where it was made.<}0{>c) agrāk pastāvošo tiesisko attiecību izbeigšanu starp bērnu un viņa vai viņas māti un tēvu, ja tādas ir adopcijas sekas līgumslēdzējā valstī, kurā tā veikta.<0}

{0>(2) In the case of an adoption having the effect of terminating a pre-existing legal parent-child relationship, the child shall enjoy in the receiving State, and in any other Contracting State where the adoption is recognized, rights equivalent to those resulting from adoptions having this effect in each such State.<}0{>(2) Gadījumā, ja adopcija izbeidz agrāk pastāvošās vecāku un bērnu tiesiskās attiecības, saņēmējvalstī un jebkurā citā adopciju atzīstošā līgumslēdzējā valstī bērna tiesības katrā no šīm valstīm ir līdzvērtīgas tām, kas izriet no adopcijas, kurai ir šādas sekas.<0}

{0>(3) The preceding paragraphs shall not prejudice the application of any provision more favourable for the child, in force in the Contracting State which recognizes the adoption.<}0{>(3) Šā panta iepriekšējie punkti neierobežo neviena bērnam labvēlīgāka noteikuma piemērošanu, kas ir spēkā adopciju atzīstošā līgumslēdzējā valstī.<0}

{0>Article 27<}100{>27. pants<0}

{0>(1) Where an adoption granted in the State of origin does not have the effect of terminating a pre-existing legal parent-child relationship, it may, in the receiving State which recognizes the adoption under the Convention, be converted into an adoption having such an effect –<}0{>(1) Ja izcelsmes valstī veiktā adopcija neizbeidz agrāk pastāvējušās vecāku un bērnu tiesiskās attiecības, saņēmējvalstī, kas atzīst adopciju saskaņā ar šo konvenciju, to var pārveidot adopcijā ar šādām sekām, ja<0}

{0>a) if the law of the receiving State so permits;<}0{>a) to pieļauj saņēmējvalsts tiesību akti;<0} {0>and<}100{>un<0}

{0>b) if the consents referred to in Article 4, sub-paragraphs c and d, have been or are given for the purpose of such an adoption.<}0{>b) attiecīgajai adopcijai ir vai tiek dotas 4. panta c) un d) apakšpunktā minētās piekrišanas.<0}

{0>(2) Article 23 applies to the decision converting the adoption.<}0{>(2) Lēmumam par adopcijas pārveidošanu piemēro 23. pantu.<0}

{0>Article 28<}100{>28. pants<0}

{0>The Convention does not affect any law of a State of origin which requires that the adoption of a child habitually resident within that State take place in that State or which prohibits the child's placement in, or transfer to, the receiving State prior to adoption.<}0{>Šī konvencija neietekmē nevienu izcelsmes valsts tiesību aktu, kurā noteikts, ka attiecīgajā valstī pastāvīgi dzīvojoša bērna adoptēšana ir veicama šajā valstī, vai kurš aizliedz bērna iekārtošanu saņēmējvalstī vai pārvešanu uz to pirms adopcijas.<0}

{0>Article 29<}100{>29. pants<0}

{0>There shall be no contact between the prospective adoptive parents and the child's parents or any other person who has care of the child until the requirements of Article 4, sub-paragraphs a) to c), and Article 5, sub-paragraph a), have been met, unless the adoption takes place within a family or unless the contact is in compliance with the conditions established by the competent authority of the State of origin.<}0{>Nav pieļaujama saskare starp iespējamajiem adoptētājiem un bērna vecākiem vai jebkuru citu personu, kuras aprūpē bērns atrodas, kamēr nav izpildītas 4. panta a), b) un c) apakšpunktā un 5. panta a) apakšpunktā noteiktās prasības, ja vien adopcija netiek veikta ģimenē vai saskare neatbilst izcelsmes valsts kompetentās iestādes izvirzītajiem nosacījumiem.<0}

{0>Article 30<}100{>30. pants<0}

{0>(1) The competent authorities of a Contracting State shall ensure that information held by them concerning the child's origin, in particular information concerning the identity of his or her parents, as well as the medical history, is preserved.<}0{>(1) Līgumslēdzējas valsts kompetentās iestādes nodrošina, ka tiek saglabātas to rīcībā esošās ziņas par bērna izcelsmi, jo īpaši ziņas par viņa vai viņas vecāku identitāti, kā arī medicīniskā vēsture.<0}

{0>(2) They shall ensure that the child or his or her representative has access to such information, under appropriate guidance, in so far as is permitted by the law of that State.<}0{>(2) Tās nodrošina bērnam vai viņa vai viņas pārstāvim pieeju šādām ziņām atbilstošā uzraudzībā, ciktāl to atļauj attiecīgās valsts tiesību akti.<0}

{0>Article 31<}100{>31. pants<0}

{0>Without prejudice to Article 30, personal data gathered or transmitted under the Convention, especially data referred to in Articles 15 and 16, shall be used only for the purposes for which they were gathered or transmitted.<}0{>Neierobežojot 30. panta noteikumus, saskaņā ar šo konvenciju ievāktās un nosūtītās ziņas par personu, jo īpaši 15. un 16. pantā minētās ziņas, izmanto vienīgi tiem mērķiem, kuriem tās ir ievāktas vai nosūtītas.<0}

{0>Article 32<}100{>32. pants<0}

{0>(1) No one shall derive improper financial or other gain from an activity related to an intercountry adoption.<}0{>(1) Neviens nedrīkst gūt nepamatotu finansiālu vai citu labumu no darbībām, kas saistītas ar starpvalstu adopciju.<0}

{0>(2) Only costs and expenses, including reasonable professional fees of persons involved in the adoption, may be charged or paid.<}0{>(2) Var uzlikt vai apmaksāt tikai izmaksas un izdevumus, to skaitā saprātīgus honorārus par adopcijā iesaistīto personu sniegtajiem profesionālajiem pakalpojumiem.<0}

{0>(3) The directors, administrators and employees of bodies involved in an adoption shall not receive remuneration which is unreasonably high in relation to services rendered.<}0{>(3) Adopcijā iesaistīto institūciju direktoru, administratoru un darbinieku saņemtā atlīdzība par sniegtajiem pakalpojumiem nedrīkst būt nepamatoti augsta.<0}

{0>Article 33<}100{>33. pants<0}

{0>A competent authority which finds that any provision of the Convention has not been respected or that there is a serious risk that it may not be respected, shall immediately inform the Central Authority of its State.<}0{>Kompetenta iestāde, kas konstatē jebkura šīs konvencijas noteikuma neievērošanu vai pamatotus draudus, ka tas netiks ievērots, par to nekavējoties ziņo savas valsts centrālajai iestādei.<0} Š{0>This Central Authority shall be responsible for ensuring that appropriate measures are taken.<}0{>Sai centrālajai iestādei ir pienākums nodrošināt atbilstošu pasākumu veikšanu.<0}

{0>Article 34<}100{>34. pants<0}

{0>If the competent authority of the State of destination of a document so requests, a translation certified as being in conformity with the original must be furnished.<}0{>Ja to pieprasa dokumenta galamērķa valsts kompetentā iestāde, jānodrošina tulkojums, kura atbilstība oriģinālam ir apliecināta.<0} {0>Unless otherwise provided, the costs of such translation are to be borne by the prospective adoptive parents.<}0{>Ja vien netiek noteikts citādi, šāda tulkojuma izmaksas sedz iespējamie adoptētāji.<0}

{0>Article 35<}100{>35. pants<0}

{0>The competent authorities of the Contracting States shall act expeditiously in the process of adoption.<}0{> Adopcijas procesā līgumslēdzēju valstu kompetentās iestādes rīkojas ātri.<0}

{0>Article 36<}100{>36. pants<0}

{0>In relation to a State which has two or more systems of law with regard to adoption applicable in different territorial units –<}0{>Attiecībā uz valsti, kurā adopcijai atšķirīgās teritoriālajās vienībās piemēro divas vai vairākas tiesību sistēmas, jebkuru norādi

{0>a) any reference to habitual residence in that State shall be construed as referring to habitual residence in a territorial unit of that State;<}0{>a) uz pastāvīgo dzīvesvietu minētajā valstī uzskata par norādi uz dzīvesvietu šīs valsts teritoriālajā vienībā;<0}

{0>b) any reference to the law of that State shall be construed as referring to the law in force in the relevant territorial unit;<}0{>b) uz minētās valsts tiesībām uzskata par norādi uz attiecīgajā teritoriālajā vienībā spēkā esošajām tiesībām;<0}

{0>c) any reference to the competent authorities or to the public authorities of that State shall be construed as referring to those authorized to act in the relevant territorial unit;<}0{>c) uz minētās valsts kompetentajām iestādēm vai valsts varas iestādēm uzskata par norādi uz iestādēm, kuras ir tiesīgas darboties attiecīgajā teritoriālajā vienībā;<0}

{0>d) any reference to the accredited bodies of that State shall be construed as referring to bodies accredited in the relevant territorial unit.<}71{>d) uz attiecīgās valsts oficiāli atzītajām institūcijām uzskata par norādi uz attiecīgajā teritoriālajā vienībā oficiāli atzītajām institūcijām.<0}

{0>Article 37<}100{>37. pants<0}

{0>In relation to a State which with regard to adoption has two or more systems of law applicable to different categories of persons, any reference to the law of that State shall be construed as referring to the legal system specified by the law of that State.<}0{>Attiecībā uz valsti, kurā adopciju reglamentē divas vai vairākas tiesību sistēmas, ko piemēro attiecībā uz atšķirīgām personu kategorijām, jebkuru norādi uz attiecīgās valsts tiesību aktiem uzskata par norādi uz tiesību sistēmu, ko nosaka šīs valsts tiesību akti.<0}

{0>Article 38<}100{>38. pants<0}

{0>A State within which different territorial units have their own rules of law in respect of adoption shall not be bound to apply the Convention where a State with a unified system of law would not be bound to do so.<}0{>Valstij, kurā dažādām teritoriālajām vienībām ir savas tiesību normas attiecībā uz adopciju, nav jāpiemēro šo konvenciju gadījumos, kad to nav jādara valstij ar unitāru tiesību sistēmu.<0}

{0>Article 39<}100{>39. pants<0}

{0>(1) The Convention does not affect any international instrument to which Contracting States are Parties and which contains provisions on matters governed by the Convention, unless a contrary declaration is made by the States Parties to such instrument.<}0{>(1) Šī konvencija neietekmē nevienu starptautisku dokumentu, kura dalībnieces ir līgumslēdzējas valstis un kurš ietver noteikumus par šajā konvencijā reglamentētajiem jautājumiem, ja vien citādi nav noteikušas valstis, kas ir šāda dokumenta dalībnieces.<0}

{0>(2) Any Contracting State may enter into agreements with one or more other Contracting States, with a view to improving the application of the Convention in their mutual relations.<}0{>(2) Jebkura līgumslēdzēja valsts var noslēgt nolīgumus ar vienu vai vairākām citām līgumslēdzējām valstīm nolūkā uzlabot šīs konvencijas piemērošanu to savstarpējās attiecībās.<0} {0>These agreements may derogate only from the provisions of Articles 14 to 16 and 18 to 21. The States which have concluded such an agreement shall transmit a copy to the depositary of the Convention.<}0{>Attiecīgajos nolīgumos drīkst atkāpties tikai no 14. līdz 16. un 18. līdz 21. panta noteikumiem. Valstis, kas noslēgušas šādu nolīgumu, nosūta tā kopiju šīs konvencijas depozitārijam.<0}

{0>Article 40<}100{>40. pants<0}

{0>No reservation to the Convention shall be permitted.<}0{>Ša Š Šai konvencijai nav pieļaujamas nekādas atrunas.<0}

{0>Article 41<}100{>41. pants<0}

{0>The Convention shall apply in every case where an application pursuant to Article 14 has been received after the Convention has entered into force in the receiving State and the State of origin.<}0{>Šo konvenciju piemēro visos gadījumos, kad 14. pantā paredzētais pieteikums ir saņemts pēc šīs konvencijas stāšanās spēkā saņēmējvalstī un izcelsmes valstī.<0}

{0>Article 42<}100{>42. pants<0}

{0>The Secretary General of the Hague Conference on Private International Law shall at regular intervals convene a Special Commission in order to review the practical operation of the Convention.<}0{>LLai pārbaudītu šīs konvencijas praktisko darbību, Hāgas Starptautisko privāttiesību konferences ģenerālsekretārs ik pēc noteikta laika posma sasauc īpašu komisiju.<0}

{0>Article 43<}100{>43. pants<0}

{0>(1) The Convention shall be open for signature by the States which were Members of the Hague Conference on Private International Law at the time of its Seventeenth Session and by the other States which participated in that Session.<}0{>(1) Šī konvencija ir atvērta parakstīšanai valstīm, kuras bija Hāgas Starptautisko privāttiesību konferences dalībnieces tās septiņpadsmitās sesijas laikā, un citām valstīm, kuras piedalījās minētajā sesijā.<0}

{0>(2) It shall be ratified, accepted or approved and the instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, depositary of the Convention.<}0{>(2) To ratificē, pieņem vai apstiprina, un ratifikācijas, pieņemšanas vai apstiprināšanas dokumentus deponē Nīderlandes Karalistes Ārlietu ministrijā, kas ir šīs konvencijas depozitārijs.<0}

{0>Article 44<}100{>44. pants<0}

{0>(1) Any other State may accede to the Convention after it has entered into force in accordance with Article 46, paragraph 1.<}0{>(1) Pēc tam, kad šī konvencija ir stājusies spēkā saskaņā ar 46. panta 1. punktu, tai var pievienoties jebkura cita valsts.<0}

{0>(2) The instrument of accession shall be deposited with the depositary.<}0{>(2) Pievienošanās dokumentu nodod glabāšanā depozitārijam.<0}

{0>(3) Such accession shall have effect only as regards the relations between the acceding State and those Contracting States which have not raised an objection to its accession in the six months after the receipt of the notification referred to in sub-paragraph b) of Article 48. Such an objection may also be raised by States at the time when they ratify, accept or approve the Convention after an accession.<}0{>(3) Šāda pievienošanās ir spēkā tikai attiecībās starp valsti, kas pievienojas, un tām līgumslēdzējām valstīm, kuras sešu mēnešu laikā pēc 48. panta b) apakšpunktā minētā paziņojuma saņemšanas nav cēlušas iebildumus pret tās pievienošanos. Šādus iebildumus valstis var celt arī laikā, kad tās ratificē, pieņem vai apstiprina šo konvenciju pēc pievienošanās.<0} Par j{0>Any such objection shall be notified to the depositary.<}0{>jjebkuru šādu iebildumu paziņo depozitārijam.<0}

{0>Article 45<}100{>45. pants<0}

{0>(1) If a State has two or more territorial units in which different systems of law are applicable in relation to matters dealt with in the Convention , it may at the time of signature, ratification, acceptance, approval or accession declare that this Convention shall extend to all its territorial units or only to one or more of them and may modify this declaration by submitting another declaration at any time.<}88{>(1) Ja kādai valstij ir divas vai vairākas teritoriālas vienības, kurās tiek piemērotas dažādas tiesību sistēmas attiecībā uz šajā konvencijā aplūkotajiem jautājumiem, tad šī valsts parakstīšanas, ratifikācijas, pieņemšanas, apstiprināšanas vai pievienošanās brīdī var paziņot, ka šī konvencija tiek attiecināta uz visām tās teritoriālajām vienībām vai tikai uz vienu vai vairākām no tām, un var mainīt savu paziņojumu, iesniedzot citu paziņojumu jebkurā laikā.<0}

{0>(2) Any such declaration shall be notified to the depositary and shall state expressly the territorial units to which the Convention applies.<}0{>(2) Par jebkuru šādu paziņojumu informē depozitāriju, un tajā skaidri norāda tās teritoriālās vienības, kurās piemēro šo konvenciju.<0}

{0>(3) If a State makes no declaration under this Article, the Convention is to extend to all territorial units of that State.<}85{>(3) Ja valsts nesniedz paziņojumu saskaņā ar šo pantu, šī konvencija tiek attiecināta uz visām attiecīgās valsts teritoriālajām vienībām.<0}

{0>Article 46<}100{>46. pants<0}

{0>(1) The Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of three months after the deposit of the third instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval referred to in Article 43.<}0{>(1) Šī konvencija stājas spēkā tā mēneša pirmajā dienā, kurš seko trīs mēnešu termiņam pēc trešā ratifikācijas, pieņemšanas vai apstiprināšanas dokumenta deponēšanas, kā noteikts 43. pantā.<0}

{0>(2) Thereafter the Convention shall enter into force –<}0{>(2) Turpmāk šī konvencija stājas spēkā <0}

{0>a) for each State ratifying, accepting or approving it subsequently, or acceding to it, on the first day of the month following the expiration of three months after the deposit of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession;<}0{>a) attiecībā uz katru valsti, kura to ratificē, pieņem vai apstiprina vēlāk, vai tai pievienojas, tā mēneša pirmajā dienā, kurš seko trīs mēnešu termiņam pēc tās ratifikācijas, pieņemšanas, apstiprināšanas vai pievienošanās dokumenta deponēšanas;<0}

{0>b) for a territorial unit to which the Convention has been extended in conformity with Article 45, on the first day of the month following the expiration of three months after the notification referred to in that Article.<}0{>b) attiecībā uz teritoriālo vienību, uz kuru šī konvencija ir paplašināti attiecināta saskaņā ar 45. pantu, tā mēneša pirmajā dienā, kurš seko trīs mēnešu termiņam pēc minētajā pantā paredzētā paziņojuma dienas.<0}

{0>Article 47<}100{>47. pants<0}

{0>(1) A State Party to the Convention may denounce it by a notification in writing addressed to the depositary.<}0{>(1) Šīs konvencijas dalībvalsts var to denonsēt, iesniedzot depozitārijam rakstisku paziņojumu.<0}

{0>(2) The denunciation takes effect on the first day of the month following the expiration of twelve months after the notification is received by the depositary.<}95{>(2) Denonsācija stājas spēkā tā mēneša pirmajā dienā, kas seko divpadsmit mēnešu termiņam pēc datuma, kurā depozitārijs ir saņēmis paziņojumu.<0} {0>Where a longer period for the denunciation to take effect is specified in the notification, the denunciation takes effect upon the expiration of such longer period after the notification is received by the depositary.<}100{>Ja paziņojumā ir norādīts ilgāks laika posms, pēc kura denonsācija stājas spēkā, tā stājas spēkā pēc tam, kad pagājis šis ilgākais laika posms, kas sākas no brīža, kad depozitārijs ir saņēmis paziņojumu.<0}

{0>Article 48<}100{>48. pants<0}

{0>The depositary shall notify the States Members of the Hague Conference on Private International Law, the other States which participated in the Seventeenth Session and the States which have acceded in accordance with Article 44, of the following –<}0{>Depozitārijs tām valstīm, kas ir Hāgas Starptautisko privāttiesību konferences dalībvalstis, citām valstīm, kas piedalījās septiņpadsmitajā sesijā, un valstīm, kas ir pievienojušās saskaņā ar 44. pantu, paziņo

{0>a) the signatures, ratifications, acceptances and approvals referred to in Article 43;<}0{>a) par 43. pantā minēto parakstīšanu, ratifikāciju, pieņemšanu un apstiprināšanu;<0}

{0>b) the accessions and objections raised to accessions referred to in Article 44;<}0{>b) par 44. pantā minēto pievienošanos un iebildumiem pret pievienošanos;<0}

{0>c) the date on which the Convention enters into force in accordance with Article 46;<}0{>c) dienu, kurā šī konvencija stājas spēkā saskaņā ar 46. pantu;<0}

{0>d) the declarations and designations referred to in Articles 22, 23, 25 and 45;<}0{>d) par 22., 23., 25. un 45. pantā minētajiem paziņojumiem un nozīmējumiem;<0}

{0>e) the agreements referred to in Article 39;<}0{>e) par 39. pantā minētajiem nolīgumiem; <0}

{0>f) the denunciations referred to in Article 47.<}0{>f) par 47. pantā minētajām denonsācijām.<0}

{0>In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorized thereto, have signed this Convention.<}98{>To To apliecinot, attiecīgi pilnvarotie ir parakstījušas šo konvenciju.<0}

{0>Done at The Hague, on the 29th day of May 1993, in the English and French languages, both texts being equally authentic, in a single copy which shall be deposited in the archives of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and of which a certified copy shall be sent, through diplomatic channels, to each of the States Members of the Hague Conference on Private International Law at the date of its Seventeenth Session and to each of the other States which participated in that Session.<}0{> Hāgā, 1993. gada 29. maijā, angļu un franču valodā, abiem tekstiem esot vienādi autentiskiem, vienā eksemplārā, kurš ir deponējams Nīderlandes Karalistes valdības arhīvos un kura apliecināta kopija pa diplomātiskiem kanāliem tiek nosūtīta katrai no valstīm, kas ir pārstāvētas Hāgas Starptautisko privāttiesību konferencē tās septiņpadsmitās sesijas dienā, un katrai no pārējām valstīm, kas piedalījās attiecīgajā sesijā.<0}

CONVENTION ON PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND CO-OPERATION IN RESPECT OF INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION

The States signatory to the present Convention,

Recognizing that the child, for the full and harmonious development of his or her personality, should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding,

Recalling that each State should take, as a matter of priority, appropriate measures to enable the child to remain in the care of his or her family of origin,

Recognizing that intercountry adoption may offer the advantage of a permanent family to a child for whom a suitable family cannot be found in his or her State of origin,

Convinced of the necessity to take measures to ensure that intercountry adoptions are made in the best interests of the child and with respect for his or her fundamental rights, and to prevent the abduction, the sale of, or traffic in children,

Desiring to establish common provisions to this effect, taking into account the principles set forth in international instruments, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, of 20 November 1989, and the United Nations Declaration on Social and Legal Principles relating to the Protection and Welfare of Children, with Special Reference to Foster Placement and Adoption Nationally and Internationally (General Assembly Resolution 41/85, of 3 December 1986),

Have agreed upon the following provisions –

CHAPTER I – SCOPE OF THE CONVENTION

Article 1

The objects of the present Convention are –

a) to establish safeguards to ensure that intercountry adoptions take place in the best interests of the child and with respect for his or her fundamental rights as recognized in international law;

b) to establish a system of co-operation amongst Contracting States to ensure that those safeguards are respected and thereby prevent the abduction, the sale of, or traffic in children;

c) to secure the recognition in Contracting States of adoptions made in accordance with the Convention.

Article 2

(1) The Convention shall apply where a child habitually resident in one Contracting State ("the State of origin") has been, is being, or is to be moved to another Contracting State ("the receiving State") either after his or her adoption in the State of origin by spouses or a person habitually resident in the receiving State, or for the purposes of such an adoption in the receiving State or in the State of origin.

(2) The Convention covers only adoptions which create a permanent parent-child relationship.

Article 3

The Convention ceases to apply if the agreements mentioned in Article 17, sub-paragraph c, have not been given before the child attains the age of eighteen years.

CHAPTER II – REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS

Article 4

An adoption within the scope of the Convention shall take place only if the competent authorities of the State of origin –

a) have established that the child is adoptable;

b) have determined, after possibilities for placement of the child within the State of origin have been given due consideration, that an intercountry adoption is in the child's best interests;

c) have ensured that

(1) the persons, institutions and authorities whose consent is necessary for adoption, have been counselled as may be necessary and duly informed of the effects of their consent, in particular whether or not an adoption will result in the termination of the legal relationship between the child and his or her family of origin,

(2) such persons, institutions and authorities have given their consent freely, in the required legal form, and expressed or evidenced in writing,

(3) the consents have not been induced by payment or compensation of any kind and have not been withdrawn, and

(4) the consent of the mother, where required, has been given only after the birth of the child; and

d) have ensured, having regard to the age and degree of maturity of the child, that

(1) he or she has been counselled and duly informed of the effects of the adoption and of his or her consent to the adoption, where such consent is required,

(2) consideration has been given to the child's wishes and opinions,

(3) the child's consent to the adoption, where such consent is required, has been given freely, in the required legal form, and expressed or evidenced in writing, and

(4) such consent has not been induced by payment or compensation of any kind.

Article 5

An adoption within the scope of the Convention shall take place only if the competent authorities of the receiving State –

a) have determined that the prospective adoptive parents are eligible and suited to adopt;

b) have ensured that the prospective adoptive parents have been counselled as may be necessary; and

c) have determined that the child is or will be authorized to enter and reside permanently in that State.

CHAPTER III – CENTRAL AUTHORITIES AND ACCREDITED BODIES

Article 6

(1) A Contracting State shall designate a Central Authority to discharge the duties which are imposed by the Convention upon such authorities.

(2) Federal States, States with more than one system of law or States having autonomous territorial units shall be free to appoint more than one Central Authority and to specify the territorial or personal extent of their functions. Where a State has appointed more than one Central Authority, it shall designate the Central Authority to which any communication may be addressed for transmission to the appropriate Central Authority within that State.

Article 7

(1) Central Authorities shall co-operate with each other and promote co-operation amongst the competent authorities in their States to protect children and to achieve the other objects of the Convention.

(2) They shall take directly all appropriate measures to –

a) provide information as to the laws of their States concerning adoption and other general information, such as statistics and standard forms;

b) keep one another informed about the operation of the Convention and, as far as possible, eliminate any obstacles to its application.

Article 8

Central Authorities shall take, directly or through public authorities, all appropriate measures to prevent improper financial or other gain in connection with an adoption and to deter all practices contrary to the objects of the Convention.

Article 9

Central Authorities shall take, directly or through public authorities or other bodies duly accredited in their State, all appropriate measures, in particular to –

a) collect, preserve and exchange information about the situation of the child and the prospective adoptive parents, so far as is necessary to complete the adoption;

b) facilitate, follow and expedite proceedings with a view to obtaining the adoption;

c) promote the development of adoption counselling and post-adoption services in their States;

d) provide each other with general evaluation reports about experience with intercountry adoption;

e) reply, in so far as is permitted by the law of their State, to justified requests from other Central Authorities or public authorities for information about a particular adoption situation.

Article 10

Accreditation shall only be granted to and maintained by bodies demonstrating their competence to carry out properly the tasks with which they may be entrusted.

Article 11

An accredited body shall –

a) pursue only non-profit objectives according to such conditions and within such limits as may be established by the competent authorities of the State of accreditation;

b) be directed and staffed by persons qualified by their ethical standards and by training or experience to work in the field of intercountry adoption; and

c) be subject to supervision by competent authorities of that State as to its composition, operation and financial situation.

Article 12

A body accredited in one Contracting State may act in another Contracting State only if the competent authorities of both States have authorized it to do so.

Article 13

The designation of the Central Authorities and, where appropriate, the extent of their functions, as well as the names and addresses of the accredited bodies shall be communicated by each Contracting State to the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.

CHAPTER IV – PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS IN INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION

Article 14

Persons habitually resident in a Contracting State, who wish to adopt a child habitually resident in another Contracting State, shall apply to the Central Authority in the State of their habitual residence.

Article 15

(1) If the Central Authority of the receiving State is satisfied that the applicants are eligible and suited to adopt, it shall prepare a report including information about their identity, eligibility and suitability to adopt, background, family and medical history, social environment, reasons for adoption, ability to undertake an intercountry adoption, as well as the characteristics of the children for whom they would be qualified to care.

(2) It shall transmit the report to the Central Authority of the State of origin.

Article 16

(1) If the Central Authority of the State of origin is satisfied that the child is adoptable, it shall –

a) prepare a report including information about his or her identity, adoptability, background, social environment, family history, medical history including that of the child's family, and any special needs of the child;

b) give due consideration to the child's upbringing and to his or her ethnic, religious and cultural background;

c) ensure that consents have been obtained in accordance with Article 4; and

d) determine, on the basis in particular of the reports relating to the child and the prospective adoptive parents, whether the envisaged placement is in the best interests of the child.

(2) It shall transmit to the Central Authority of the receiving State its report on the child, proof that the necessary consents have been obtained and the reasons for its determination on the placement, taking care not to reveal the identity of the mother and the father if, in the State of origin, these identities may not be disclosed.

Article 17

Any decision in the State of origin that a child should be entrusted to prospective adoptive parents may only be made if –

a) the Central Authority of that State has ensured that the prospective adoptive parents agree;

b) the Central Authority of the receiving State has approved such decision, where such approval is required by the law of that State or by the Central Authority of the State of origin;

c) the Central Authorities of both States have agreed that the adoption may proceed; and

d) it has been determined, in accordance with Article 5, that the prospective adoptive parents are eligible and suited to adopt and that the child is or will be authorized to enter and reside permanently in the receiving State.

Article 18

The Central Authorities of both States shall take all necessary steps to obtain permission for the child to leave the State of origin and to enter and reside permanently in the receiving State.

Article 19

(1) The transfer of the child to the receiving State may only be carried out if the requirements of Article 17 have been satisfied.

(2) The Central Authorities of both States shall ensure that this transfer takes place in secure and appropriate circumstances and, if possible, in the company of the adoptive or prospective adoptive parents.

(3) If the transfer of the child does not take place, the reports referred to in Articles 15 and 16 are to be sent back to the authorities who forwarded them.

Article 20

The Central Authorities shall keep each other informed about the adoption process and the measures taken to complete it, as well as about the progress of the placement if a probationary period is required.

Article 21

(1) Where the adoption is to take place after the transfer of the child to the receiving State and it appears to the Central Authority of that State that the continued placement of the child with the prospective adoptive parents is not in the child's best interests, such Central Authority shall take the measures necessary to protect the child, in particular –

a) to cause the child to be withdrawn from the prospective adoptive parents and to arrange temporary care;

b) in consultation with the Central Authority of the State of origin, to arrange without delay a new placement of the child with a view to adoption or, if this is not appropriate, to arrange alternative long-term care; an adoption shall not take place until the Central Authority of the State of origin has been duly informed concerning the new prospective adoptive parents;

c) as a last resort, to arrange the return of the child, if his or her interests so require.

(2) Having regard in particular to the age and degree of maturity of the child, he or she shall be consulted and, where appropriate, his or her consent obtained in relation to measures to be taken under this Article.

Article 22

(1) The functions of a Central Authority under this Chapter may be performed by public authorities or by bodies accredited under Chapter III, to the extent permitted by the law of its State.

(2) Any Contracting State may declare to the depositary of the Convention that the functions of the Central Authority under Articles 15 to 21 may be performed in that State, to the extent permitted by the law and subject to the supervision of the competent authorities of that State, also by bodies or persons who –

a) meet the requirements of integrity, professional competence, experience and accountability of that State; and

b) are qualified by their ethical standards and by training or experience to work in the field of intercountry adoption.

(3) A Contracting State which makes the declaration provided for in paragraph 2 shall keep the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law informed of the names and addresses of these bodies and persons.

(4) Any Contracting State may declare to the depositary of the Convention that adoptions of children habitually resident in its territory may only take place if the functions of the Central Authorities are performed in accordance with paragraph 1.

(5) Notwithstanding any declaration made under paragraph 2, the reports provided for in Articles 15 and 16 shall, in every case, be prepared under the responsibility of the Central Authority or other authorities or bodies in accordance with paragraph 1.

CHAPTER V – RECOGNITION AND EFFECTS OF THE ADOPTION

Article 23

(1) An adoption certified by the competent authority of the State of the adoption as having been made in accordance with the Convention shall be recognized by operation of law in the other Contracting States. The certificate shall specify when and by whom the agreements under Article 17, sub-paragraph c), were given.

(2) Each Contracting State shall, at the time of signature, ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, notify the depositary of the Convention of the identity and the functions of the authority or the authorities which, in that State, are competent to make the certification. It shall also notify the depositary of any modification in the designation of these authorities.

Article 24

The recognition of an adoption may be refused in a Contracting State only if the adoption is manifestly contrary to its public policy, taking into account the best interests of the child.

Article 25

Any Contracting State may declare to the depositary of the Convention that it will not be bound under this Convention to recognize adoptions made in accordance with an agreement concluded by application of Article 39, paragraph 2.

Article 26

(1) The recognition of an adoption includes recognition of

a) the legal parent-child relationship between the child and his or her adoptive parents;

b) parental responsibility of the adoptive parents for the child;

c) the termination of a pre-existing legal relationship between the child and his or her mother and father, if the adoption has this effect in the Contracting State where it was made.

(2) In the case of an adoption having the effect of terminating a pre-existing legal parent-child relationship, the child shall enjoy in the receiving State, and in any other Contracting State where the adoption is recognized, rights equivalent to those resulting from adoptions having this effect in each such State.

(3) The preceding paragraphs shall not prejudice the application of any provision more favourable for the child, in force in the Contracting State which recognizes the adoption.

Article 27

(1) Where an adoption granted in the State of origin does not have the effect of terminating a pre-existing legal parent-child relationship, it may, in the receiving State which recognizes the adoption under the Convention, be converted into an adoption having such an effect –

a) if the law of the receiving State so permits; and

b) if the consents referred to in Article 4, sub-paragraphs c and d, have been or are given for the purpose of such an adoption.

(2) Article 23 applies to the decision converting the adoption.

CHAPTER VI – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 28

The Convention does not affect any law of a State of origin which requires that the adoption of a child habitually resident within that State take place in that State or which prohibits the child's placement in, or transfer to, the receiving State prior to adoption.

Article 29

There shall be no contact between the prospective adoptive parents and the child's parents or any other person who has care of the child until the requirements of Article 4, sub-paragraphs a) to c), and Article 5, sub-paragraph a), have been met, unless the adoption takes place within a family or unless the contact is in compliance with the conditions established by the competent authority of the State of origin.

Article 30

(1) The competent authorities of a Contracting State shall ensure that information held by them concerning the child's origin, in particular information concerning the identity of his or her parents, as well as the medical history, is preserved.

(2) They shall ensure that the child or his or her representative has access to such information, under appropriate guidance, in so far as is permitted by the law of that State.

Article 31

Without prejudice to Article 30, personal data gathered or transmitted under the Convention, especially data referred to in Articles 15 and 16, shall be used only for the purposes for which they were gathered or transmitted.

Article 32

(1) No one shall derive improper financial or other gain from an activity related to an intercountry adoption.

(2) Only costs and expenses, including reasonable professional fees of persons involved in the adoption, may be charged or paid.

(3) The directors, administrators and employees of bodies involved in an adoption shall not receive remuneration which is unreasonably high in relation to services rendered.

Article 33

A competent authority which finds that any provision of the Convention has not been respected or that there is a serious risk that it may not be respected, shall immediately inform the Central Authority of its State. This Central Authority shall be responsible for ensuring that appropriate measures are taken.

Article 34

If the competent authority of the State of destination of a document so requests, a translation certified as being in conformity with the original must be furnished. Unless otherwise provided, the costs of such translation are to be borne by the prospective adoptive parents.

Article 35

The competent authorities of the Contracting States shall act expeditiously in the process of adoption.

Article 36

In relation to a State which has two or more systems of law with regard to adoption applicable in different territorial units –

a) any reference to habitual residence in that State shall be construed as referring to habitual residence in a territorial unit of that State;

b) any reference to the law of that State shall be construed as referring to the law in force in the relevant territorial unit;

c) any reference to the competent authorities or to the public authorities of that State shall be construed as referring to those authorized to act in the relevant territorial unit;

d) any reference to the accredited bodies of that State shall be construed as referring to bodies accredited in the relevant territorial unit.

Article 37

In relation to a State which with regard to adoption has two or more systems of law applicable to different categories of persons, any reference to the law of that State shall be construed as referring to the legal system specified by the law of that State.

Article 38

A State within which different territorial units have their own rules of law in respect of adoption shall not be bound to apply the Convention where a State with a unified system of law would not be bound to do so.

Article 39

(1) The Convention does not affect any international instrument to which Contracting States are Parties and which contains provisions on matters governed by the Convention, unless a contrary declaration is made by the States Parties to such instrument.

(2) Any Contracting State may enter into agreements with one or more other Contracting States, with a view to improving the application of the Convention in their mutual relations. These agreements may derogate only from the provisions of Articles 14 to 16 and 18 to 21. The States which have concluded such an agreement shall transmit a copy to the depositary of the Convention.

Article 40

No reservation to the Convention shall be permitted.

Article 41

The Convention shall apply in every case where an application pursuant to Article 14 has been received after the Convention has entered into force in the receiving State and the State of origin.

Article 42

The Secretary General of the Hague Conference on Private International Law shall at regular intervals convene a Special Commission in order to review the practical operation of the Convention.

CHAPTER VII – FINAL CLAUSES

Article 43

(1) The Convention shall be open for signature by the States which were Members of the Hague Conference on Private International Law at the time of its Seventeenth Session and by the other States which participated in that Session.

(2) It shall be ratified, accepted or approved and the instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, depositary of the Convention.

Article 44

(1) Any other State may accede to the Convention after it has entered into force in accordance with Article 46, paragraph 1.

(2) The instrument of accession shall be deposited with the depositary.

(3) Such accession shall have effect only as regards the relations between the acceding State and those Contracting States which have not raised an objection to its accession in the six months after the receipt of the notification referred to in sub-paragraph b) of Article 48. Such an objection may also be raised by States at the time when they ratify, accept or approve the Convention after an accession. Any such objection shall be notified to the depositary.

Article 45

(1) If a State has two or more territorial units in which different systems of law are applicable in relation to matters dealt with in the Convention, it may at the time of signature, ratification, acceptance, approval or accession declare that this Convention shall extend to all its territorial units or only to one or more of them and may modify this declaration by submitting another declaration at any time.

(2) Any such declaration shall be notified to the depositary and shall state expressly the territorial units to which the Convention applies.

(3) If a State makes no declaration under this Article, the Convention is to extend to all territorial units of that State.

Article 46

(1) The Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of three months after the deposit of the third instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval referred to in Article 43.

(2) Thereafter the Convention shall enter into force –

a) for each State ratifying, accepting or approving it subsequently, or acceding to it, on the first day of the month following the expiration of three months after the deposit of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession;

b) for a territorial unit to which the Convention has been extended in conformity with Article 45, on the first day of the month following the expiration of three months after the notification referred to in that Article.

Article 47

(1) A State Party to the Convention may denounce it by a notification in writing addressed to the depositary.

(2) The denunciation takes effect on the first day of the month following the expiration of twelve months after the notification is received by the depositary. Where a longer period for the denunciation to take effect is specified in the notification, the denunciation takes effect upon the expiration of such longer period after the notification is received by the depositary.

Article 48

The depositary shall notify the States Members of the Hague Conference on Private International Law, the other States which participated in the Seventeenth Session and the States which have acceded in accordance with Article 44, of the following –

a) the signatures, ratifications, acceptances and approvals referred to in Article 43;

b) the accessions and objections raised to accessions referred to in Article 44;

c) the date on which the Convention enters into force in accordance with Article 46;

d) the declarations and designations referred to in Articles 22, 23, 25 and 45;

e) the agreements referred to in Article 39;

f) the denunciations referred to in Article 47.

In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorized thereto, have signed this Convention.

Done at The Hague, on the 29th day of May 1993, in the English and French languages, both texts being equally authentic, in a single copy which shall be deposited in the archives of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and of which a certified copy shall be sent, through diplomatic channels, to each of the States Members of the Hague Conference on Private International Law at the date of its Seventeenth Session and to each of the other States which participated in that Session.