The Problem of International Child Abduction A. Extent of problem 1. Currently there are about 800 unresolved ongoing parental abduction cases to Hague countries alone. B. Most children abducted internationally have not been returned. Although there may be a chance of return in cases in which the abduction is more recent, the likelihood diminishes over time. Of cases in which the children were recovered, half were returned within 2 months and half within 3 years.
International abductions have a far lower recovery rate than domestic abductions.
Therefore, international child abductors are the most successful of family abductors. Children are least likely to be returned from Islamic countries. Returns from some Islamic countries are considered practically impossible. Children are more likely to be returned from certain Hague countries, although Hague return rates vary widely by country. C. Societal factors 1.