It is estimated that China has 60 million children who have been abandoned by their parents for a wide variety of reason. Many of these are the children of migrant workers who must travel to find work. Often there are no adult relatives to ensure the safety and well-being of these children.
According to Tong Xiaojun, vice-professor at China Youth University for Political Science. “A child welfare system could monitor at-risk children and allow social workers to help when necessary. However, a major challenge in establishing it was enlisting the help of government departments - as well as families.”
The tragedies are staggering. Some of these abandoned children have starved to death. Others, such as the four children of Ren Xifen, committed suicide by drinking pesticide. This particular tragedy caught the attention of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang who is calling for investigations and punishment for officials who “are lax.”
Please tell the Chinese Premier that you support his efforts to safeguard children and ensure that they get the help they need!
Attn: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang
We (the undersigned) join you in your efforts to save and protect China's "left behind children." Like you, we believe it is unacceptable for children to be left on their own; forced to find their own food, heal their illnesses, and avoid the many dangers and pitfalls that children everywhere face on a daily basis. Adult supervision is vital to their present and their future.
It has been suggested by experts that a child welfare system is what is needed to begin to get this problem under control. Please do whatever you can and know that you have the backing of everyone who signs this petition.
Sincerely,
