Vietnam unveils 2026-2030 child protection plan; China tightens juvenile criminal law

Vietnam announced a National Child Protection Program for 2026‑2030, aiming to create safe, healthy environments for all children and to cut abuse, sexual exploitation, illegal labor and abandonment. The plan sets universal targets: 100 % of families to receive child‑protection education, 100 % of students to learn self‑defence skills, 100 % of officials and service providers to be trained, and 90 % of enterprises to receive information on prevention. Provincial and local authorities are required to implement integrated protection services, with 95 % of communes establishing inter‑sectoral models and friendly investigation rooms. Annual goals include reducing child violence by at least 5 % and lowering child labor (ages 5‑17) to below 1.1 %. The program also calls for standardized data sharing and the use of information technology to monitor at‑risk children.

China introduced new criminal‑law provisions that tighten the handling of juvenile offenders, part of a broader legal reform aimed at strengthening protection for minors. The regulation increases accountability for crimes committed by persons under the age of 18 and aligns with the country's efforts to improve child welfare and public safety.