Dominican Republic and the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction

My daughter Kali Soleil Athukorala is currently being unlawfully retained in the Dominican Republic which is a sovereign nation.  To return Kali Soleil Athukorala I have to go through the legal system in the Dominican Republic.

In June 2007 the Dominican Republic became a signatory to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. By becoming a signatory to this convention the Dominican Republic has expressed to the international community of nations that it will honor the meaning of the convention.  The convention requires signing nations to return abducted children to their "home state" for any matters relating to their custody and care.

"The States signatory to the present Convention,

Firmly convinced that the interests of children are of paramount importance in matters relating to their custody,

Desiring to protect children internationally from the harmful effects of their wrongful removal or retention and to establish procedures to ensure their prompt return to the State of their habitual residence, as well as to secure protection for rights of access,

Have resolved to conclude a Convention to this effect, and have agreed upon the following provisions –"

- Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction - Read the full text....

The Dominican Republic has so far failed me.  The Dominican Republic has not lived up to it's obligations under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.  In fact, the Dominican Republic's designated Central Authority, CONANI has obstructed and interfered with the proper execution of the Hague Convention. 

It has now been over 10 months since I filed my petition with the Dominican Republic and Kali Soleil Athukorala has not been returned to her home.  The Dominican Republic is so far supporting the UNLAWFUL retention of Kali Soleil Athukorala.