Ma promotes children’s rights in Taiwan

2014-11-24

President Ma Ying-jeou said Nov. 20 that implementation of the Enforcement Act of the Convention on the Rights of the Child underscores government efforts to bring Taiwan’s related laws and regulations into line with those in leading parts of the world.

“The act puts Taiwan at the forefront of global developments when it comes to advancing the welfare of children,” Ma said. “This is important as the convention is the most widely ratified international human rights treaty in history.”

Ma made the remarks while receiving an under-18 delegation at the Presidential Office in Taipei City as part of activities marking the act’s implementation and International Children’s Rights Day.

Comprising 54 articles spanning such areas as education, civil rights, health, leisure, liberty, special protection measures and welfare, the act serves as a foundation for policymaking on children in Taiwan.

According to the president, the government has implemented a raft of measures to better protect the rights of children in the country. Achievements to date include child birth subsidies, maternity and pregnancy leave, as well as revisions to the Criminal Code reducing the sentence for juvenile delinquency.

“A highlight is that those with children under the age of two can apply for parental leave of up to one year and subsidies for six months,” he said, adding that the program has benefitted 250,000 children since 2008, with related payments topping NT$5 billion (US$162 million) last year.

Ma said public and private sector efforts also brought about a drop of 2,800 reported cases in child abuse last year. “The government will continue introducing related measures to ensure Taiwan’s children grow up in a healthy and safe environment.”

According to the Cabinet, an interministerial task force has been set up to promote the rights and well-being of children, with the Ministry of Health and Welfare responsible for coordinating efforts in this regard.

In addition, the Cabinet is set to publish an inaugural national report on children’s rights in two years, with subsequent editions set for release every five years to review implementation results of related policies.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=224338&CtNode=413)