Rights & Interests of the Disabled: China: Poverty alleviation for disabled exceeds expectations

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Another white paper released by the Chinese government this week covers the protections of disabled people's rights and interests. The document released on Thursday reflects on efforts and achievements over the past 70 years. It also says that the poverty alleviation process for the disabled has exceeded expectations, and will continue to do so. CGTN's Lu Sirui has more.

China is home to 85 million disabled people, more than any other country in the world.

In 70 years of the People's Republic of China, the government has worked toward improving the well-being and livelihood of those with disabilities.

Initiatives have ranged from issuing relief for recipients, to forming a body that helps them engage in activities.

ZHANG HAIDI, VICE CHAIR STATE COUNCIL WORKING COMMITTEE ON DISABILITY "Promoting the interests of persons with disabilities, from social welfare relief in the late 1970s and early 1980s, has evolved into an encompassing network covering rehabilitation, disability prevention, employment, poverty alleviation, even social activities like culture and sports."

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, China's included poverty eradication for people with disabilities into national strategy.

According to the white paper, when the targeted poverty fighting strategy was established, China had more than 6 million disabled persons in poverty-stricken households in need of help.

That number was down to 1.7 million by 2018.

Authorities said that the poverty alleviation process for China's disabled has exceeded expectations.

CHENG KAI, VICE CHAIRPERSON CHINA DISABLED PERSONS' FEDERATION "In light of the present situation, the process of achieving moderate prosperity for the disabled has gone better than expected. In particular, impoverished people with disabilities have made breakthroughs in poverty alleviation, social security, rehabilitation, and other basic livelihood and public services."

In the next two years, authorities say besides alleviating poverty for those with disabilities, they will work hard to solve the special difficulties and special needs faced by the disabled, ensuring that no one is left behind in the national poverty fight.

Lu Sirui, CGTN, Beijing.