Following a comprehensive consultation process as well as substantive contributions from over 100 different experts covering multiple disciplines and perspectives, regions, national and international contexts, the Verona Principles for the Protection of the Rights of the Child Born through Surrogacy have been published this week. Dr Katarina Trimmings (Centre for Private International Law) was part of the core group of experts which drafted and worked on the principles. The project started in 2016 and was coordinated by the Geneva-based international NGO International Social Service. The Principles are designed to inspire and provide guidance on legislative, policy and practical reforms on the upholding children's rights born through surrogacy. The Principles are created in the expectation of complementary and evolving efforts in the wider human rights framework. Although global consensus on surrogacy has not yet been reached, the rights of children born through surrogacy need to be addressed urgently. Work on the Principles received strong support from the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children, and the Principles have been formally endorsed by members of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. The Principles can be accessed here.
Launch of Verona principles for the protection of the rights of the child born through surrogacy
