Zhou Lulu introduces China's efforts in safeguarding the rights of people with disabilities at the 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, March 11, 2024.

According to data released by the China Disabled Persons' Federation, the total number of people with disabilities in China has reached over 85 million, equivalent to one disabled person for every 16 Chinese people. These 85 million people with disabilities make up 6.34% of the country's total population. This significant group's living conditions are closely linked to the quality of life and happiness of millions of families.

What is the current situation of work and life for this group of people?

As of the end of 2020, the Ministry of Civil Affairs had included 10.77 million people with disabilities in the scope of subsistence allowances, and 1.08 million people with disabilities in the scope of assistance and support for those in extreme poverty. Concurrently, the ministry upgraded facilities for supporting extremely impoverished individuals and enhanced temporary assistance efforts, benefiting over 156,000 people with disabilities and mental disorders.

The system of living allowances for people with disabilities in difficulties and nursing subsidies for severely disabled individuals plays a crucial role in securing their basic living conditions, overcoming poverty, and maintaining social harmony and stability. By the end of 2020, more than 12.13 million people with disabilities in difficulties had received living allowances, and over 14.74 million severely disabled individuals had received nursing subsidies.