Minhang looks to clamp down on violation of minors' rights

The Minhang District People's Procuratorate, in collaboration with nine other authorities in the district, on Monday set up a compulsory reporting and treatment mechanism for cases related to the violation of minors' rights.

A WeChat application for reporting tips on such cases also went online, where the public can submit their information and evidential photos.

In the past 2 1/2-years, prosecutors in Minhang have dealt with 84 such cases. Although 15 cases took place at schools, training centers and medical institutions, prosecutors found that only five were reported by these organizations. Reports from organizations can help prosecutors to intervene in the cases earlier.

In one case reported to the procuratorate last year, a minor girl, who was sexually assaulted by her guardian, sought help from the psychological teacher at school. The teacher reported it to police and the guardian was soon nabbed. On May 15 this year, prosecutors charged the guardian with rape and the case is still ongoing.

To solve the girl’s guardianship problem and alleviate her mental pain, the procuratorate worked with the education and civil affairs bureaus to transfer her to a new school, find a temporary home and provide psychological counseling.

The other four cases, which were all abandonment of minors, were reported by hospitals where the children were undergoing treatment.

A baby girl, abandoned at a hospital, was born to a migrant woman Jiang, who was married in her hometown but cohabited with another man in Shanghai. After the infant was brought to the hospital, Jiang refused to take her back.

The hospital called police and Jiang was found at a drug rehabilitation center. On October 25 last year, Jiang was sentenced to one year and nine months in jail for abandonment.

With the help of prosecutors, the girl is now living in a local temporary childcare center.

Prosecutors believe that if relevant persons or organizations fail to promptly report on such matters, the minors might suffer greater pain.

Under the guidance of district politics and law commission, the Minhang procuratorate signed a document with authorities, including court, police and justice bureau, to set up a system in order to enforce organizations that work or have close contact with minors to tip off police or prosecutors about possible violation of minors’ rights.

People working for such organizations should promptly file a report if they find minors have been sexually assaulted, are pregnant or have had an abortion. They also need to report to the authorities if they find minors have suffered physical harm, severe malnutrition due domestic violence, abuse or school bullying, have tried to commit suicide, have been abandoned or are without care. There is also the danger of minors being abducted and trafficked or even forced to beg.