State Councilor and Public Security Minister Meng Jianzhu pledged to protect the rights of rural migrants by cracking down on abuses of their "dignity" and civil rights on Monday.

At the year's first plenary conference of the leading group for security management of migrants, under the Central Committee of Comprehensive Management of Public Security, he urged all authorities "to provide timely, appropriate and sufficient services" for the country's 210 million migrants.

Meng described migrants as vital to the building of a prosperous society and "part owners" of the achievements of economic and social development. The Party and the government were duty-bound to provide high-quality services and management, he said.

Local officials should listen to migrants and try hard to meet their demands, so as to improve services and management, said Meng, who is also a deputy director of the central committee and head of the leading group.

They should enjoy equal employment opportunities and employment services, improved housing and schooling for their children, and better integration with local residents, he said.

He urged companies to sign labor contracts and pledged to crack down on unpaid wages, while encouraging trade unions to protect their rights.

(Xinhua News Agency July 1, 2008)