China - Dec 2013

One Child Policy

• The one-child policy was introduced in 1979 in China. 
• Under the earlier family planning policy, couples could have two children only if both parents were from one-child families. In rural areas, couples can have two children if their first born is a girl.
• In Dec 2013 , loosened this policy to  allow couples to have a second child if either parent is an only child.
• The working population will fall by 8 million every year after 2023, with those above 60 years of age reaching 400 million and accounting for one-quarter of the population in the next two decades.

Labour Camps

• Initially introduced in 1950 for minor crimes.
• Under the reeducation through labour system, accused can be held for up to four years without a trial.
• China  formally abolished its controversial labour camps “re-education” system in Dec 2013