Social organizations are developing in a healthy and orderly way in China in recent years, demonstrating their positive role in safeguarding and promoting the cause of human rights, says a report here Tuesday.

By the end of 2012, there were 492,000 social organizations registered in accordance with the law, among which 268,000 were social groups, 221,000 were NGOs and 2,961 were foundations, says the report titled "Progress in China's Human Rights in 2012" issued by the Information Office of the State Council.

The number of social organizations across the country had increased by 14.2 percent from 431,000 at the end of 2009; and the number of foundations had increased by 60.7 percent from 1,843 in 2009, according to the report.

Representatives of national associations in China have taken leading posts in 152 international organizations, and became heads of special committees of 25 international organizations and directors of 92 international organizations, the report says.

Making full use of their advantages, these social organizations are playing an important role in education, science and technology, culture, public health, social management, social welfare and charity work, according to the report.

In 2012 China's social organizations attracted over 25 million volunteers to participate in charity work, the report says. Endi