China Voice: Helping disadvantaged children key for world human rights progress

China's blueprint of enhancing underprivileged children's development (2014-2020) has shown the country's determination to join global efforts to translate children's rights into action.

The plan, approved by the central government in November 2014, pledges to help at least 40 million children in poverty-stricken areas live in developed conditions as close as possible to the country's average level in terms of health, water, sanitation, nutrition, education, among others.

By 2020, the maternal death rate related to childbirth in these regions will be decreased to 30 per 100,000. Death rate of newborn babies and children under the age of five will fall to 12 per 1,000 and 15 per 1,000respectively.

Knowing that the chance to survive is a right owed to every child, the Chinese government will provide free vaccines as listed in the national immunization program. Those with serious diseases such as congenital heart disease or leukemia will receive more compensation from the national medical insurance program.

As stated by UNICEF, equity means all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential. The Chinese government is making efforts to expand accessibility for children from rural impoverished families to receive education so they can narrow the gap with their peers from large cities.

The government will continue to work with civil societies and the private sector to support development at each phase of the children's lives, from prenatal care in a mother's pregnancy to effective and affordable education until they finish compulsory school years.

The national plan also pledges to build more child welfare institutions, send more teachers to rural and remote areas and increase the allowances for special education and rural teachers.

These measures are only a few of many efforts China is making to ensure underprivileged children's rights of survival, development and being protected. They are also in line with the UNICEF Strategic Plan( 2014-2017) which advocates "Realizing the rights of every child, especially the most disadvantaged."

In the fight against poverty, promoting children living in poor regions bears special significance, as it is a fundamental method to stop the passing of poverty to next generations.

As a responsible player in the world's efforts of promoting human right progress, China needs to act and it is acting now. Endi