China strengthens people-centered legislation in 2024

China continued to adopt a people-centered approach to legislation in 2024 and further advanced its human rights protection system, according to the Annual Report on the Rule of Law in China published by the Social Sciences Academic Press in April.

Last year, the National People's Congress and its Standing Committee enacted six new laws, revised 16 others, approved the ratification of 12 international treaties, and passed four resolutions addressing legal and major policy issues. The State Council formulated 16 administrative regulations, revised 37, and repealed 27, the report noted.

Legislative activity saw a notable increase in 2024, including the formulation, revision and repeal of administrative regulations, as well as the issuance of judicial interpretations. The report said the trend highlighted a more systematic, coordinated and responsive legislative process that laid a solid legal foundation across various sectors.

As of Dec 31, China had a total of 306 laws in force.

"Legislative efforts have sought to enhance social welfare, and the legislation process has demonstrated the people-centered philosophy," said Mo Jihong, director of the Institute of Law at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Public input played a key role in shaping legislation. People's demands were incorporated into concrete measures through both online and offline channels, the report said.

By early 2024, the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee had established 45 grassroots legislative contact points, prompting provincial and municipal governments to set up more than 6,500 such points nationwide.

By the end of the year, more than 60,000 suggestions had been collected on over 20 draft laws through online channels, with participation from more than 20,000 individuals, according to the report.

In 2024, authorities issued guidelines to prioritize employment and strengthen protections for workers' rights and interests. New laws and amendments also aimed to safeguard the rights of women and children.

For instance, the law on rural collective economic organizations stipulates that men and women enjoy equal rights to membership. In November, the law on preschool education was promulgated, further strengthening protections for young children.