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),