Addressing Child Abuse in China: Challenges and Solutions

Position Paper

Good morning, Honorable Chair and fellow delegates. On behalf of the President, the Delegation of China will address the critical issue of child abuse.

The Challenge of Child Abuse in China

China's population is equivalent to 18.47% of the total world population. This significant demographic is crucial to our subject, as there are numerous reports of child abuse cases, which consequently prolong investigations. A major challenge in China is that many investigations are left unresolved due to the sheer volume of cases, allowing some criminals to evade justice.

Government Response and Support Systems

If an accused person is found guilty of psychological abuse, sexual abuse, or physical abuse, the government is committed to exercising justice by sending these criminals to jail. If the criminal is a parent, they will be separated from their families. If the criminal is a teacher, they will be permanently barred from the profession of teaching. Concurrently, the government provides psychological help to abused children. If children do not have family, the government assigns them to a suitable family within the city. The government also provides psychological help to abused children.

Regional Disparities and Enforcement Issues

Nevertheless, another significant problem China faces is that some regions are not governed by these articles and operate under their own rules, making it easier for criminals to escape accountability.

Collaborative Efforts and Impact Statistics

Beyond government efforts, several companies are deeply invested in helping to solve this problem. Most notably, assistance comes from the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU). These organizations refuse to trade with companies that exploit children and also actively sponsor initiatives aimed at child protection.

According to studies, 6% of children under 18 years of age have suffered physical abuse, and 19.6% have experienced emotional abuse. Additionally, there is a figure of 8. We estimate that emotional abuse in childhood accounts for 26, and physical abuse in childhood accounts for 12. In China, child maltreatment is common and associated with large economic losses because many maltreated children suffer substantial psychological distress and might adopt behaviors that increase their risk of chronic disease.