Romanian MPs evaluate Bodnariu child protection case in talks with Norwegian officials

A group of Romanian deputies and senators is on a working visit to Norway from Wednesday to Friday, to advocate the reunion of Romanian families whose children were taken away by the Norwegian Child Protection Services (Barnevernet). The MPs had talks on Wednesday with Anne Karin Hamre, governor of Sogn og Fjordane County, where the Bodnarius reside. 

The most prominent case of this type is the Bodnarius' whose five children were taken in Barnevernet's custody last November. Mr. Marius Bodnariu is a Romanian citizen, and his wife Ruth is Norwegian. 

In a release to STIRIPESURSE.RO on Thursday, the MPs mention that Governor Hamre sees the situation as "a challenge, sensitive to both sides". 

"After the governor's presentation, the Romanian MPs imperatively asked her to re-analyse the temporary order of placement [in foster care], as the measure is disproportionate and represents an abusive interpretation of the principle of the child's superior interest (in accordance with the relevant legislation); they added that there are reasonable suspicion of breaches of procedure (the Barnevernet not observing the procedural steps stipulated by Norwegian legislation). The delegation members stressed their attachment to the strong relations between Romania and Norway and their wish to continue promoting these relations on the same level," the release reads. 

The Romanian officials pointed out that the cases of the Bodnariu, Nan and other families in similar predicaments "have generated very strong emotions among Romanian citizens in the country and abroad, because of the lack of transparency so far, and of the suspicions on the management of these cases." 

The delegation visited the Bodnariu spouses at their home in Redal and "noted the adequate living and development conditions offered to the children by their parents." Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Northern Europe Macarie Dragoi was attending. The MPs also discussed with some Norwegian neighbours of the family and with members of the local community who know well the Bodnarius, the release mentions. 

The delegation is comprised of Mircea Dolha, vice chairman of the Chambers of Deputies' Committee for the Romanian communities abroad, deputies Mircea Lubanovici, Maria Grecea, Ovidiu Iane of this committee, and Senators Titus Corlatean, Ben-Oni Ardelean and Marian Vasiliev. 

Their visit continues on Thursday and Friday. They will have meetings with some Norwegian Parliament committees' members, with representatives of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, and with representatives of the local Romanian community.