National Committee for the Protection of Children of China


The National Committee for the Protection of Children of China was a national organization in the early years of the People's Republic of China, serving as a leading body for child-related work.

History

At the Women's International Democratic Federation (WIDF) Council meeting in Berlin, from 31 January to 5 February 1950, a call was issued to strengthen and expand the movement for the protection of children. The resolution urged member states to establish broadly representative national committees, unite all those concerned with children's welfare, oppose imperialist wars, and promote lasting world peace. By November 1951, countries such as France, Italy, Tunisia, Belgium, Iran, and Vietnam had established national child protection committees.
On 26 November 1951, in response to the WIDF call, the National Committee for the Protection of Children of China was founded in Beijing. Over seventy representatives from women's, youth, trade union, welfare, religious groups, and ethnic minority organizations attended the inaugural meeting. Soong Ching-ling was elected chairwoman; Deng Yingchao, Li Siguang, Li Dequan, Liao Chengzhi, Fu Lianzhao, and Wei Que were elected vice-chairpersons; Kang Keqing was appointed secretary-general. The committee comprised 98 members from 22 national-level departments and mass organizations, as well as individuals active in children's welfare.
The founding meeting adopted a declaration with four key principles:
  • Unite mothers, youth, educators, scientists, writers, medical workers, child welfare workers, religious figures, and all those who care about children, to oppose aggressive war, defend peace, and promote child welfare.
  • Publicize the importance of child welfare and call on the whole nation to pay attention to children's rights.
  • Support and implement the WIDF resolutions on strengthening the protection of children.
  • Welcome peace-loving and democratic people in Asia and around the world to work together for children's happiness.
In 1960, during the period of economic hardship, the committee was dissolved as part of national streamlining efforts, and its functions were absorbed into the All-China Women's Federation.
After the end of the Cultural Revolution, the committee was reactivated. On 29 March 1979, a plenary meeting in Beijing reaffirmed its mission and endorsed the United Nations resolution on the International Year of the Child. Soong Ching-ling, then Honorary Chairwoman of the ACWF and Vice Chairwoman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, resumed the position of chairwoman. Vice-chairpersons included Liao Chengzhi, Shi Liang, Kang Keqing, Cui Yueli, Zhu Futang, Dong Chuncai, and Yang Yunyu.
In May 1979, the Committee co-sponsored national activities for International Children's Day, and jointly launched the second nationwide awards for children's literature and art creation since 1949.
On 6 January 1983, the Committee held its annual meeting at the Great Hall of the People. Kang Keqing, then chairwoman of the ACWF, was elected chairwoman of the committee, succeeding the late Soong Ching-ling. New vice-chairpersons included pediatrician Zhu Futang, Education Vice Minister Zhang Wensong, Health Vice Minister Wang Wei, ACWF Vice Chairwoman Huang Ganying, and UNESCO China National Committee Deputy Director Yang Yunyu.
No further annual meetings were reported after 1983.