New Delhi, 07 January (H.S.): Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) wrote to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Wednesday, urging immediate diplomatic intervention to secure the repatriation of Indian citizen Ariha Shah, a young girl languishing in foster care under Germany's Jugendamt child services for over four and a half years.

Brittas highlighted that allegations of sexual abuse against Ariha's parents have been categorically dismissed by German investigative agencies, corroborated by hospital reports and recommendations from a court-appointed psychologist advocating her immediate restoration to parental custody—yet authorities persist in separating her from her family.

As a passport-holding Indian national whose parents and extended kin reside in India, Ariha merits rights under international law and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to familial nurturing, cultural identity, language, and religious affiliation, which German policies ostensibly deny by isolating her from the Indian community and disregarding her heritage.

The MP underscored the deleterious impact of repeated foster placements on Ariha's emotional stability, with fleeting parental visits—now imperiled by expiring visas—serving as her sole psychological lifeline. He implored Jaishankar to elevate this humanitarian crisis during German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's impending visit to India on January 12 and 13, framing swift repatriation not only as justice for one child but as a testament to India's steadfast advocacy for child welfare, family unity, and universal human values.

Foster care, typically envisioned as a transient safeguard for vulnerable minors, has morphed into protracted estrangement in this protracted saga.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar