TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Executive Yuan (行政院) approved a draft amendment to the Civil Code (民法) on Thursday (Nov. 28), mandating that parents must not engage in physical or mental violence while raising minors. This landmark move reflects a growing commitment to safeguarding children's rights and respecting their personalities.
The current Civil Code permits parental discipline within necessary limits. The proposed amendment revises this to emphasize respect for children's personalities and prohibits physical or mental violence. The Executive Yuan plans to send the draft to the Judicial Yuan (司法院) before submitting it to the Legislative Yuan (立法院) for review.
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ, 法務部) reported that the amendment aligns with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and considers independent evaluations by the Control Yuan's (監察院) National Human Rights Commission (國家人權委員會). This change also mirrors similar reforms in Japan and South Korea, adhering to international trends.
The MOJ stressed the amendment's focus on clarifying parental rights principles, emphasizing respect for minors' personality development, and banning violence. Accordingly, they plan to revise the Protection of Children and Youths Welfare and Rights Act (兒童及少年福利與權益保障法).
Kuo Tsai-jung (郭彩榕), an official from the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, 衛福部), noted that parents can still discipline children but encouraged positive methods. The ministry will collaborate with the Ministry of Education (MOE, 教育部) to enhance parenting education resources.
Hsueh Cheng-yu (薛承祐) from the MOE stated that family education centers are established in all counties and cities, offering parental guidance assistance. This development marks a significant step in advancing child welfare and aligning with global standards.