Law of the Peoples Republic of China on Protection of the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (Adopted at the 21st Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Eight National Peoples Congress on August 29, 1996 and promulgated by Order No. 73 of the President of the Peoples Republic of China on August 29, 1996) Contents Chapter I General Provisions Chapter II Maintenance and Support by Families Chapter III Social Security Chapter IV Participation in Social Development Chapter V Legal Responsibility Chapter VI Supplementary Provisions Chapter I General Provisions Article 1 This Law is enacted in accordance with the Constitution to protect the lawful rights and interests of the elderly, develop the undertakings related to the elderly and promote the Chinese peoples virtues of respecting and providing for the elderly. Article 2 The elderly referred to in this Law are citizens at or above the age of 60. Article 3 The State and society shall take measures to improve the social security system regarding the elderly and gradually better the conditions that contribute toward their well-being, good health and participation in social development, so that they are provided for, have access to necessary medical care, have opportunities for their own pursuits and studies and enjoy themselves. Article 4 The State protects the lawful rights and interests of the elderly. The elderly have the right to obtain material assistance from the State and society and enjoy the achievements in social development. Discriminating against, insulting, maltreating or forsaking the elderly is forbidden. Article 5 The peoples governments at various levels shall incorporate the undertakings related to the elderly into the plans for national economic and social development, gradually increase the investment in these undertakings and encourage all sectors of society to make such investment, so that these undertakings and the economy and society develop in a coordinated manner. The State Council and the peoples governments of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government shall take organizational measures to coordinate the efforts made by relevant departments to protect the rights and interests of the elderly. The specific institutions for the purpose shall be prescribed by the State Council and the peoples governments of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government. Article 6 It is the duty of the entire society to protect the lawful rights and interests of the elderly. State organs, public organizations, enterprises and institutions shall, in compliance with their own functions and responsibilities, protect the rights and interests of the elderly. Neighbourhood committees, villagers committees and the organizations of the elderly established according to law shall make known the demands of the elderly, safeguard their lawful rights and interests and serve them. Article 7 Throughout the community publicity and education should be conducted in the need to establish the social values under which the elderly are respected, taken care of and helped. The organizations of young people, schools and kindergartens shall carry out education in ethics among young people and children, so that the latter will understand the importance of respecting and providing for the elderly. They shall also educate young people and children in the legal system so that the latter will understand the need of safeguarding the rights and interests of the elderly. Voluntary service for the elderly shall be encouraged. Article 8 The peoples governments at various levels shall commend and award the organizations, families or individuals that have scored outstanding achievements in safeguarding the lawful rights and interests of the elderly and respecting and providing for them. Article 9 The elderly shall observe law and discipline and perform their duties prescribed by law. Chapter II Maintenance and Support by Families Article 10 The elderly shall be provided for mainly by their families, and their family members shall care for and look after them. Article 11 Supporters of the elderly shall perform the duties of providing for the elderly, taking care of them and comforting them, and cater to their special needs. The supporters referred to here are the sons and daughters of the elderly and other people who are under the legal obligation to provide for the elderly. The spouses of the supporters shall assist them in performing their obligation to provide for the elderly. Article 12 The supporters shall pay medical expenses for the elderly suffering from illnesses and provide them with nursing care. Article 13 The supporters shall properly arrange for the housing of the elderly and shall not compel the latter to move to inferior houses