China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) is launching a
campaign to crack down on crimes against 'left-behind' children of
rural migrant workers.
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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.
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The ministry will strengthen rural patrols to prevent or reduce
crimes against these children, Wu said.
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"No matter how insignificant a case may be, police are required to
promptly open a file and conduct an investigation," Wu said.
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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)