KUNMING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Attending the 7th National Games for Handicapped People in the provincial capital of Yunnan, in southwest China, Vice Premier Hui Liangyu Saturday visited handicapped people and lawyers who help protect the rights of the handicapped.

    The official saluted the country's 83 million handicapped and their families on the eve of the National Day of Handicapped People which falls on May 20 this year.

    Talking to attendees, Hui stressed that the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the government have always made the welfare of handicapped people a priority. He urged people from all walks of life to assist the handicapped and protect their rights, so as to promote the building of a harmonious socialist country.

    Handicapped people are a vulnerable group and need the help of the government and the whole society, he noted. He pledged to severely punish all kinds of activities infringing upon the rights of the handicapped.

    The theme for this year's National Day of Handicapped People is to protect the rights of handicapped people and make joint efforts to build a harmonious society.