Written question asked by Wendy Morton (Conservative) on Monday, 22 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. It was answered by Chris Elmore (Labour) on Thursday, 25 June 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Latin America: Children

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the effectiveness of UK diplomatic support provided to families seeking the return of children wrongfully retained overseas in Latin America; and whether she plans to strengthen guidance or support for such cases.

Answer: The Government takes International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA) extremely seriously, as set out in the Westminster Hall debate on 28 April 2026, and we make regular representations to the relevant authorities overseas to encourage compliance with their obligations under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, including in Latin America. Enforcement of the 1980 Hague Convention ultimately rests with the courts and authorities in the country where the child is located. We publish information and guidance for families affected by IPCA on GOV.UK.

Secondary information