Law of the People's Republic of China on Red Cross Society (2017 Revision)

Law of the People's Republic of China on Red Cross Society (2017 Revision) Order of the President of the People's Republic of China (No. 63) The Law of the People's Republic of China on Red Cross Society, as revised and adopted at the 26th Session of the Standing Committee of the Twelfth National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China on February 24, 2017, is hereby issued and shall come into force on May 8, 2017. President of the People's Republic of China: Xi Jinping February 24, 2017 Law of the People's Republic of China on Red Cross Society (Adopted at the Fourth Session of the Standing Committee of the Eighth National People's Congress on October 31, 1993, amended in accordance with the Decision on Amending Some Laws as adopted at the Tenth Session of the Standing Committee of the Eleventh National People's Congress on August 27, 2009, and revised at the 26th Session of the Standing Committee of the Twelfth National People's Congress on February 24, 2017) Table of Contents Chapter I General Provisions Chapter II Organizations Chapter III Duties Chapter IV Sign and Name Chapter V Property and Supervision Chapter VI Legal Liability Chapter VII Supplementary Provisions Chapter I General Provisions Article 1 This Law is enactedfor purposes of protecting the life and health of human beings, maintaining human dignity, carrying forward humanitarian spirit, promoting the cause of peace and progress, and guaranteeing and regulating Red Cross Society's performance of their duties in accordance with the law. Article 2 The Red Cross Society of China (“RCSC”) is a unified Red Cross organization of the People's Republic of China and a social relief and aid society that engages in humanitarian work. Article 3 All citizens of the People's Republic of China who, regardless of ethnic status, race, sex, occupation, religious belief and education status, recognize theStatutes of the Red Cross Society of Chinaand pay membership dues, may join the RCSC on a voluntary basis. Enterprises, public institutions and the relevant groups may apply for being group members of Red Cross Societies. The state encourages natural persons, legal persons and other organizations to participate in the Red Cross volunteer services. The state supports the Red Cross activities among teenagers conducted at schools. Article 4 The RCSC shall abide by the Constitution and laws of China, adhere to the fundamental principles established by the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement, and conduct its work independently in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and the Additional Protocols thereto as approved or acceded to by China and the Statutes of the RCSC. The National Congress of Members of the RCSC shall develop or amend the Statutes of the RCSC in accordance with the law, and the Statutes shall not contravene the Constitution and laws. Article 5 The people's governments at all levels shall give support and financial aid to Red Cross Society, ensure Red Cross Society's performance of their duties in accordance with the law, and conduct supervision of their activities. Article 6 The RCSC shall develop its friendly cooperation relationship with the Red Cross Societies and the Red Crescent Societies of all countries under the principles of independence, equality and mutual respect. Chapter II Organization Article 7 The Red Cross Society of China shall be established in China. The Red Cross Society of China shall externally represent China's Red Cross Society. The local Red Cross Societies at all levels shall be establishedat the localities at or above the county level according to the division of administrative regions and manned with full-time staff members according to actual work needs. The Industry Red Cross Societies may be established as needed across the industries nationwide. The Red Cross Societies at higher levels shall guide the work of the Red Cross Societies at lower levels. Article 8 The Red Cross Societies at all levels shall establish the councils and the boards of supervisors. The councils or the boards of supervisors shall be elected by the congresses of members,be responsible to and report work to the congresses of members, and be subject to the supervision by congresses of members. The councils shall democratically elect their Presidents and Vice- Presidents. Thecouncils shall implement the decisions made by the congresses of members. Executive committees are the standing executive bodies of the councils, and the member composition thereof shall be decided by the councils. Executive committees shall be responsible to and report work to the councils. The boards of supervisors shall domestically elect supervisors and deputy supervisors. The work of the councils and executive committees shall be subject to the supervision by the boards of supervisors. Article 9 The Red Cross Society of China may establish an Honorary President and several Honorary Vice-Presidents. The Honorary President and Honorary Vice-Presidents shall be hired by the Council of the Red Cross Soc......