The Philippines bans child marriage
Under the new law, culpable parties can face prison terms of up to 12 years for marrying or cohabiting with anyone under the age of 18.
Child well-being
This archive tracks real progress in child well-being — from advances in nutrition, education, and mental health to policies that expand opportunity for young people worldwide. Each story focuses on what’s working and why, grounded in evidence rather than optimism alone.
Canada pledges billions of dollars to compensate Indigenous children
$15.75 billion USD will be allotted to Indigenous children who were unfairly placed in the welfare system, faced delays in accessing services, or did not receive them at all.
Botswana achieves WHO’s “silver tier” certification for mother-to-child HIV transmission
The country was previously classified as a “high burden” country, which is defined as more than two percent of women living with HIV.
Humanity achieves 59% decline in deaths of children under five since 1990
The progress may be the result of related efforts like improved nutrition, housing, water, sanitation, education, and financial security, as well as the availability of health services worldwide.
Canada bans conversion therapy
As of January 7, 2022 it will be a crime punishable by up to five years in prison to cause another person to undergo conversion therapy.
China’s first clinic for transgender children and adolescents set up in Shanghai
Experts expect that the clinic will serve as a bridge between transgender children, parents, doctors and the various circles of society.
Spain to ban advertising for unhealthy foods targeted at children
According to a 2019 study, which is based on surveys of children aged six to nine, 40% of Spanish minors are above their recommended weight.
France makes birth control free for everyone under 25
The free contraceptives offered include the pill, IUDs, contraceptive patches, and other methods composed of steroid hormones. Doctor’s visits for birth control prescriptions will also be free.
Mexico’s top court decriminalizes abortion in ‘watershed moment’
The decision in the world’s second-biggest Roman Catholic country means that courts can no longer prosecute abortion cases, and follows the historic legalization of the right in Argentina earlier this year.
China bans written exams for six- and seven-year-olds as it retools education system
Beijing on Monday banned written exams for six- and seven-year-olds, as part of sweeping education reforms aimed at relieving pressure on pupils and parents in China’s hyper-competitive school system.