Noting that the ceremony coincides with International Children’s Day, Dmitry Medvedev said that the main aim of this date is to remember that all children need love, attention, and protection of their lawful rights and interests.
Recalling the recent amendments to the federal law on basic guarantees of children’s rights, Mr Medvedev noted that the authorities and society need to create the conditions for children’s normal and healthy development.
Current social support of families has brought about an increase in the birth rate, the President said. Despite the financial difficulties, the government will fulfil all of its commitments regarding indexation and payment of benefits and other social security measures. But the authorities cannot resolve all problems affecting families. Protection and support of children cannot be reduced to the material dimension alone, for no financial support measures can be a substitute for parental love and care, Mr Medvedev stressed.