New changes to Chongqing City’s local laws now eliminate reeducation through labor as a form of punishment for sex workers and their clients. China’s reeducation through labor system allows police to sentence people without trial for minor crimes. While far from decriminalizing sex work Professor Yang Weidong of the National School of Administration notes that with this important step ‘the legitimacy of reeducation through labor has been questioned.’ Read the article here (in Chinese.)
[COMMENTARY] A Different -and Tragic- Outgrowth of the Chinese Healthcare System
A disturbing trend is underway. According to an editorial in the latest edition of The Lancet, there is a surge in patient violence against doctors in Chinese hospitals. Root causes include “poor investment in the health system and in training and paying doctors, which can lead to medical errors, corruption, and poor communication between health professionals and patients.” The Lancet also highlights societal factors such as “negative media reports about doctors, poor public understanding of medicine, unrealistic patient expectations about treatments, and catastrophic out-of-pocket health-care expenses for families.”
[NEWS] Call For Proposals, $20,000 For One-Year Projects
Good news, The U.S. Embassy is now accepting proposals for the 2012 EAP/PD Small Grants Program.
Grants may be made to non-governmental, not-for-profit organizations based in China that demonstrate long-term sustainability beyond the proposed program activity.
[NEWS] International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
By Brian Bonci
At the United Nations, senior officials today drew attention to laws around the world which discriminate against LGBT people, and called for equality and the repeal of such laws.
[NEWS] Global Fund Announces $1.6 Billion More in Funding Over Next 2 Years
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria announced this week a windfall of $1.6 billion dollars in additional funding available over the next two years. The statement points to “strategic decisions made by the Board,” including cutting staff by a surprising 7.4 percent. The new amount also includes a combined billion dollars in donations from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Japan.