However, the NPC decided to review it separately and the draft was resubmitted late last year. The number of civil rights infringements has grown in recent years. Courts across China handled about 870,000 cases in 2007, said the NPC law committee, although there was no law to ensure compensation at the time.

The five-day bimonthly session of the NPC on Saturday also approved new regulations to better promote development and protection of the nation's islands. According to the law, China will strengthen protection of eco-systems, rational utilization of natural resources and sustainable development on its sea islands.

Legislators also voted to ratify a United Nations protocol combating human trafficking.

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• China joins UN fight against human trafficking
• Human flesh search case ends in plaintiff's favor
• China to resume harsher property sales tax to curb speculation

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