China's Ministry of Public Security is launching a campaign to
crack down on crimes against 'left-behind' children of rural
migrant workers.
China's vast number of rural migrant workers has become the
backbone for rapid urban development, but many of their children
are left at home in poor rural areas without parental care and
protection.
"Local police have been told to be on high alert for crimes
against 'left-behind' children. Some of the children have been
abducted, robbed or forced to commit crimes," said Wu Dongli,
director of MPS's security management bureau.
The ministry will strengthen rural patrols to prevent or reduce
crimes against these children, Wu said.
"No matter how insignificant a case may be, police are required
to promptly open a file and conduct an investigation," Wu said.
Statistics show the number of "left-behind" rural children has
reached 20 million in China and the number is still on the rise as
their parents continue to flood into cities.
(Xinhua News Agency May 28, 2007)
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