The Legislative Yuan passed the Youth Basic Law Dec. 26, demonstrating government commitment to continuing to create a supportive environment for Taiwan’s younger generations.
According to the Ministry of Education, the country’s youth are the driving force for social development, economic prosperity and technological innovation. The legislation calls for youth mainstreaming and the integration of youth issues and perspectives into all related policies and regulations, the MOE said.
The legislation comprises 30 clauses and defines youths as individuals between age 18 and 35. It stipulates that all levels of government must establish administrative systems for youth affairs to effectively promote relevant policies, and delineates the civic rights of youths and encourages their public participation.
The act safeguards the rights and interests of young people by codifying rights pertaining to learning and education, employment and career development, innovation and entrepreneurship, and supportive housing and parenting environments, among others.
It also requires that the government formulate a youth policy white paper every four years to serve as the administrative basis and guiding principles for youth policies; that the premier convene regular meetings of an interministerial youth affairs development task force; and that the central government set up a dedicated youth development fund. (SFC-E)
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