Lithuanian diplomats ask Norwegian authorities to allow to see child that was taken from mother

Jens Eikaas, representative of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Norway’s Child Welfare Services (Barnevernet) first of all cares for a child’s well-being and closely follows legal principles of confidentiality. He added, however, that he understands Lithuania’s concern and promised to take every effort to find out whether the child is actually in Norway. The MFA’s statement did not reveal if the Lithuanian ambassador is going to be allowed to see the boy.

Eikaas informed the ambassador that in spring the Norwegian Parliament will be proposed to consider joining the Hague convention of 1996 for the protection of children. It is hoped this would help countries cooperate in the area of child welfare.