A Swedish court has rejected a legal challenge by a Hong Kong couple seeking to stop authorities from transferring guardianship of their four-year-old daughter to her foster family.
The case involves Hong Kong parents Tsang Wai-bong and Kwan Pui-sin, whose daughter Lily has been living with a foster family in Sweden since May 2024.
According to documents obtained by the South China Morning Post, Sweden’s Social Welfare Committee argued that Lily should remain in care to protect her from what it described as a “rootless and insecure existence.” The committee has applied to appoint the foster parents as Lily’s legal guardians.
In its assessment, the committee said the child had a right to grow up in a stable environment characterised by “warmth, routines, predictability and safety.” It also stated that Lily’s parents had not demonstrated sufficient understanding of their daughter’s best interests.
The parents have spent several years trying to regain custody. They recently launched a social media campaign called “Save Lily”, sharing family photographs and documents in an effort to win public support for their daughter’s return.
However, a Swedish court ruled on 10 June that the parents could not challenge the welfare committee’s application at this stage. The court said welfare reviews are not subject to judicial appeal before a formal decision has been made.
The ruling means the guardianship process can continue, while Lily’s future remains under consideration by Swedish authorities.
