Beijing (Capital of China): The new database will track children of migrant workers, including those who have remained in their hometowns and those who have relocated with their parents for job opportunities. Guo Yuqiang, director of the Ministry of Civil Affairs’ Department of Child Welfare, announced that the goal is to complete the database by 2026 and achieve noticeable improvements in child protection by 2035.
Special attention will be given to disabled children, those without guardians, and those with psychological or behavioural needs. Local authorities will play a key role in regularly checking these children’s welfare. The database will cover residency, medical insurance, disabilities, and school enrolment, ensuring a comprehensive record.
Migrant children, defined as those under 16 whose parents have been away for more than six months, face numerous challenges. As of the 2020 census, China had approximately 71 million migrant children, with over 60% of the 67 million left-behind children living in rural areas. The initiative aims to provide 16 essential services, such as vaccination programs, school enrolment assistance, and support for children with disabilities.
The database will also tackle the plight of left-behind children, a group that has been linked to rising juvenile crime rates. Recent cases, such as the tragic killing of a 13-year-old boy by his peers, have highlighted the urgent need for this initiative.
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