Parents at a gathering looking for their missing children in Zhengzhou, capital of Central China's Henan province on April 26, 2015. [Photo/CFP]

All parties involved in human trafficking in China, including those who buy abducted children, face tougher punishments in the ninth draft amendment to the Criminal Law submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Wednesday. At present, those who buy children will likely be exempt from punishment if they did not abuse the children or attempt to deter rescue efforts. But under the revised provisions, they would not be able to claim immunity from punishment. Comments:

Admittedly, holding the buyers of children criminally liable is unlikely to put an end to the abductions of children, which are the result of various reasons. But it is highly possible that the change to the law may deter some. Should the penalties have an effect, legislators should spare no efforts in trying to end the abducting and trafficking of children for good.

people.com.cn, June 23

The insatiable demand for abducted children and women is what makes the trafficking almost unstoppable. But the fact that buyers can escape punishment under the law helps fuel the demand. Only by reducing the demand by deterring potential buyers can the abductions be curbed.

Fujian Daily, June 24

Unlike commodities, human beings are not tradeable. Long as it might take, holding the buyers accountable is a possible cure for the rampant evil of human trafficking. More importantly, if such buyers are eventually no longer able to claim immunity from punishment, it will signal that children's legal rights are being better protected by the law.

Chengdu Economic Daily, June 25