BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) -- China's top judicial authorities have issued a new guideline to enhance the protection of rights for vulnerable groups, clarifying that those facing difficulties in litigation, such as migrant workers, persons with disabilities and minors, may apply for civil support prosecution.

The guideline, jointly released by the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate this week, outlines measures to ensure that vulnerable groups with limited litigation capacity can better access justice.

According to the document, procuratorates may support the filing of civil lawsuits for parties whose legitimate rights and interests have been infringed and who are willing to pursue legal action but lack the capacity or are unable to do so independently.

In cases involving violations of minors' lawful rights and interests where relevant organizations or individuals fail to bring a lawsuit, procuratorates may urge or support such action, the guideline states.

It specifies that individuals facing substantial difficulties in filing lawsuits may seek civil support prosecution in situations including migrant workers pursuing unpaid wages, and persons with disabilities whose personal rights, property rights or other lawful rights and interests have been infringed.

Courts are required to support procuratorates in fulfilling their support prosecution functions, working together to ensure the smooth progress of litigation and the equal exercise of litigation rights. ■