Only a specific law can restore charities' honor

Fangcheng district government officials launch the running activity organized to help impoverished students attend university education. [Photo/Agencies]

China's charity organizations received 104 billion yuan ($16 billion) in donations in 2014, 52.9 billion yuan more than the previous year, according to a report issued by the China Charity Information Center on Saturday. At least 75 percent of the donations were made in areas such as healthcare, education and poverty alleviation. Comments:

Anomalies, even crimes, have often marred the use of money donated to charities in China, which include frauds and poor management of donations. Such illegal activities have dealt a blow to the good cause and undermined public trust in charities. It is clear that the lack of a specific law or regulation on charities has led to the chaos in what should be one of the most compassionate activities. If nothing is done to stem the rot, the charity sector could even become the black sheep of modern governance.

southcn.com, Sept 21

China has lagged behind many developed economies in building a legal system that supports charity work. There is neither a specific law on charity organizations and their work nor any regulation designed to encourage donations and manage volunteers. Therefore, the country's top legislature should consider enacting a specific law on charity organizations, because it will also expedite efforts to make the tax system more favorable to donors by exempting the donated amounts from tax.

Beijing News, Sept 20

Enterprises have become the biggest charity donors in China, accounting for 60 to 70 percent of the total donations. In the foreseeable future, they could play a greater role in offering well-targeted support to individuals and organizations in need, and increase their charity work in a market-oriented manner.

Li Liguo, Minister of Civil Affairs, Sept 18

All charitable organizations, State-owned or civil, are obliged to offer charity and public services more professionally. They need to have a better understanding of how poor the recipients are and why they have failed to emerge out of poverty, and work out a sustainable solution to help marginalized people improve their lives. Also, it should be made clear that people in need cannot rely on financial aid alone. They also need proper guidance and training, which charity organizations can provide, to improve their lives.

rednet.cn, Sept 20