A total of 2,031 relief organizations have been set up to safeguard the basic interests and rights of the homeless, Minister of Civil Affairs Li Liguo announced on February 28.

In 2013, 2.35 million homeless people received help, including 159,000 juveniles, Li revealed at a press conference. "Pilot programs have also been launched in 20 regions to protect juveniles with a focus on family custody," he added.

According to Li, providing social relief to the homeless has been written into the social assistance regulation, which will come into effect on May 1. The regulation is the country's first legal document to coordinate and regulate the fragmented social assistance system.

The regulation also calls for open, fair and timely help for the needy.