China should strengthen legislation and law enforcement to improve the protection of children, said a member of China’s top political advisory body during its annual session that began on March 3 in Beijing.

The Law on the Protection of Minors should be amended to specifically stipulate how to protect children against abuse or neglect by their guardians or when their guardians are unable to fulfill their duties, said Han Fangming, member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and chairman of the Charhar Institute.

Han said the Ministry of Civil Affairs should set up a special agency to ensure the enforcement of laws related to child protection, and local governments should raise special funds to promote related programs.

Currently, the Ministry of Civil Affairs is responsible for providing aid to children in need, but this is only one of its many functions, and there is no specific government department that responds to reports of child abuse and neglect.

Statistics show that more than 60 million Chinese children are living with their grandparents in rural villages while their parents work in cities, while more than 30 million children are living an unstable life with their migrant worker parents.

Han is attending the third session of the 12th CPPCC National Committee, which will conclude on March 13. A total of 2,153 members of the CPPCC National Committee will discuss major issues concerning the country's development during the session.

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