Taiwan's Legislature passes basic law on youth affairs

Taipei, Dec. 26 (CNA) Taiwan's Legislative Yuan on Friday passed a basic law aimed at facilitating youth development and encouraging greater youth participation in public affairs.

Under the newly passed "Youth Basic Law," which defines youth as people aged 18 to 35, a NT$10 billion (US$318.12 million) youth development fund will be established, with funding allocated in stages over five years after the law takes effect.

It will be financed through central government budget allocations, investment returns and public donations, and overseen by a management committee of 13 to 15 members, with scholars, experts and youth representatives accounting for more than half of its members.

The law also mandates that the government ensure 18-year-olds can exercise their legal rights to participate in voting, recalls, initiatives, and referendums, and requires that the necessary legal framework be completed within two years of the law taking effect.

In addition, the Executive Yuan is required to convene a youth affairs development meeting at least once every six months.

Youth representatives must come from diverse backgrounds, account for at least half of all members, ensure no gender makes up less than one-third, and include members from various social groups.

Meanwhile, the central government is required to launch a "youth policy white paper" and update it every four years based on national development goals and societal needs.

The law also stipulates that the government must designate a national Youth Day to support young people and raise public awareness of youth issues.