China's city of Zhengzhou and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have joined hands in helping homeless children from 2006 through 2010.

Zhengzhou, the capital city of central Henan Province, worked with UNICEF from 2001 to 2005 for the first time. With the help of the joint program, Zhengzhou has set up shelters and primary schools for homeless children, along with permanent and temporary assistance and community centers, for homeless children, which have assisted 600 children so far.

In the coming five years, sources say the two sides will focus on preventing homeless children from violence and infections of HIV/AIDS.

Homeless children are seen as a world problem. Breakdowns in families, inappropriate education, and poverty are among the leading factors in causing homelessness in children.

China has been continuing its efforts to protect the rights and interests of the homeless children, with laws and regulations being established for children.
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(CRI January 4, 2006)