(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-10-03 13:45

Shanghai - China will take the opportunity of the Special Olympics to further improve the welfare of people with intellectual disabilities and take more effective measures to help them, Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu said on Wednesday.

The Chinese government considers the cause of people with intellectual disabilities an important part of its human rights cause and efforts to build a harmonious society, Hui said when addressing a global policy summit on the health and welfare of the intellectually disabled.

The summit was held on the sidelines of the 12th Special Olympics World Summer Games which opened Tuesday evening.

As a traditional part for the Special Olympics, the summit drew more than 1,000 scholars and government officials.

The participation in the summit of renowned figures from all over the world "fully demonstrated" the international community's concern about the Special Olympics and the cause of the people with disabilities, Hui said.

Hui said he believes the summit will achieve important progress and result in concrete actions from the whole society to help improve the living conditions of the intellectually disabled.

Calling the special games a reflection of social progress and requirement of modern development, Hui said China appreciates the efforts and contributions the Special Olympics has made to improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and promote social harmony.

China has improved relevant laws and regulations to better protect the interests of the disabled people in the areas of medical care, education, employment, poverty relief and sports, he said.

With the theme of "Commitment to Changing Lives", the one-day summit aims to call on strengthened efforts to improve the well-being of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. A "Joint Statement of Support" will be issued.

Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson and Deng Pufang, chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federations presided over the summit. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon sent a congratulatory letter expressing warm greetings to all participants in the Games.