Chinese lawmakers on Thursday adopted a law amendment to better protect the country's more than 83 million disabled, in the run-up to the Beijing 2008 Paralympics in September.

The amendment to the Law on Protection of the Disabled, which has been discussed twice by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) in February and April, was expected to go into effect on July 1.

The second session of the 11th NPC Standing Committee concluded on Thursday afternoon.

Chinese lawmakers in the three-day session also reviewed draft of the Fire Control Law, heard a State Council report on disaster relief concerning the prolonged snow disaster earlier this year, and ratified three international extradition and judicial assistance pacts.

The amendment to the Law on Protection of the Disabled was adopted aiming at better protecting the country's more than 80 million disabled people, in its run-up to the Beijing 2008 Paralympics in September.

"Caring for the disabled is a sign of social progress, and is an important part of building a harmonious society," said China's top legislator Wu Bangguo at the meeting. "It showcases the country's vowed respect to human rights in its constitution.

"The disabled should be guaranteed the right to play a fair role in social life and share the fruits of our country's economic and social development."

The amendment, which has been discussed twice by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) in February and April this year, is expected to go into effect from July 1, 2008.

It is the first law amendment adopted by the 11th NPC Standing Committee, which convened its first meeting in March this year.

A revision of a 1991 law, the amendment was drawn up to "tackle new circumstances and problems" cropping up amid economic and social advances, Civil Affairs Minister Li Xueju was quoted as saying earlier this week.

The amendment added detailed about stable financial support, better medical care and rehabilitation for the disabled, along with favorable jobs and tax policies.

Governments at county level or above should provide stable funding and draw up annual plans to help the disabled, it said.

Governments and social organizations, enterprises, and non-government organizations should have a quota of disabled people on their payroll, and should contribute to the disabled in other aspects if they failed to meet the quota.

Government purchase should also give priority to products or services provided by the disabled, according to the amendment.

"No one should force the disabled into labor using violence, threats or depriving them of their personal freedom," it said.

It stressed the need to build and improve physical facilities that would make it easier for the disabled.

As China promised to allow guide dogs to enter public places during the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games, the amendment agreed to lift such bans. It said relevant regulations should be observed when guide dogs are used in aid of the disabled entering public venues.

The amendment also made clearer the legal consequences of violating the rights and interests of the disabled. It stated the disabled were entitled to report such cases to relevant government departments and ask them to provide legal aid.

Those who did not respond to the disabled's appeals promptly or tried to suppress their demands or postpone the settlement, would be punished in accordance with relative law and regulations.

People who discriminated against the disabled through mass media or other methods, should be punished in accordance with the administrative regulations.

China is the host of the Beijing Paralympics in September, and the Asian Para Games in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, in 2010.

According to the China Disabled Persons' Federation, the country has about 83 million disabled, accounting for 6.34 percent of the population. More than 75 percent of the disabled live in rural areas.

During its three-day session, the country's top legislature also approved two extradition treaties with France and Australia respectively. It also ratified an agreement with Kuwait on mutual judicial assistance in civil and commercial affairs on Thursday.

It also appointed Shen Deyong vice president of the Supreme People's Court, and Huang Zhendong director of the Credentials Committee of the NPC Standing Committee.

(Xinhua News Agency April 25, 2008)