Comment on "Migrants to enjoy same rights as urbanites", (China Daily website, March 6)

I am glad to know that migrant workers in the cities will finally be able to enjoy the same public services as urban residents and that nationwide pilot projects have been launched to explore potential approaches that will enable them to integrate in the cities.

It's clearly necessary for the authorities to realize the importance of protecting migrant workers' rights and improving their lives in cities.

Just as the article said, migrant workers have contributed significantly to China's economic and social development, especially in the urban areas. But urban community-based public services don't cover migrant workers, and their political, economic and cultural rights haven't been guaranteed effectively.

Protecting migrant workers' rights is not only related to China's all-round development, but also social harmony. We should all appreciate the hard work of migrant workers and make efforts to improve their well-being. I sincerely appeal to the authorities to accelerate the pace of implementing this guideline, so that the lives of migrant workers can be improved as soon as possible.

Simon, via e-mail

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(China Daily 03/08/2012 page10)