The State Council introduced new measures to better protect vulnerable children on June 1, International Children’s Day.

The document was discussed during the State Council’s executive meeting on June 1, which was presided over by Premier Li Keqiang.

“Children living in extremely difficult circumstances need special care and protection,” Premier Li stressed at the meeting. “The government should work to build a safety net to better protect these children.”

Premier Li was referring to children who are enduring harsh living conditions because of family poverty, health problems, lack of parental custody as well as those who were abducted. Major problems faced by these children include severe poverty, lack of access to medical treatment and education.

The newly released documents introduced specific requirements for central ministries as well as local government in providing comprehensive assistance to these children across a range of aspects.

Such efforts include providing financial aid and special medical coverage. Local governments are urged to fully implement compulsory education and ensure that custodial responsibilities are fulfilled.

“Protecting children in difficult conditions is an important part of our efforts to build a moderately prosperous society, as well as a social safety net that leaves no one unprotected,” Premier Li said.

He also said the government needs to fulfill its duty in protecting children in difficulty, and further improve and revise its legislation and policies in this regard.

Raising subsidies and better protection for children living in difficult circumstances was an idea raised by the Premier in his government work report, which was delivered in March 2015. During the meeting on June 1, Premier Li also called for social efforts in creating a good environment that gives more protection and care to these children.

The new document also calls for social efforts to work with the government in child protection.

The new document was an update of its previous version, released in 2014.