June 1, on the occasion of the Day for Protection of Children Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal chaired the All-Ukrainian meeting on the protection of children's rights.

Minister of Social Policy Maryna Lazebna, Minister of Health Viktor Liashko, Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for Children's Rights Mykola Kuleba, representatives of the ministries, heads of Regional State Administrations (RSAs) and heads of the regional social services took part in  the discussion of systemic solutions seeking to improve living conditions, to ensure access to educational, medical services and to strengthen social protection of children.

The Prime Minister dwelled on that the state bodies should step up their efforts to implement the necessary changes so that children can grow up and be raised in families.

"The position of the President, the Government and all of us is that children in Ukraine should live and grow up in prosperous families. Children with disabilities should be given the opportunity to get quality inclusive education, or, if necessary, highly specialized education and rehabilitation. Communities are closest to children, so they better understand the situation. The state, for its part, must create appropriate policies and provide sources and funding for child support," the Head of Government said.

Denys Shmyhal stressed that these commitments should be unwavering  and the relevant state strategies, regional and district programs, as well as community strategies for the upbringing and care of children in need should be shaped around them.

The Head of Government noted that in the conditions of a pandemic the Government strengthens support for families and children. In particular, on May 26 this year, a set of decisions was adopted, including a draft law to increase the amount of childbirth assistance and strengthen liability for violations of children's rights.

"Our civilizational choice is to invest in the future of Ukraine. And children are the future of Ukraine. The President of Ukraine in his election program has clearly stated the global goal - a quality, modern education, when children develop a love and commitment to lifelong learning and self-learning. Therefore, the Government allocates significant funds for the development of education in Ukraine," said the Prime Minister.

The meeting participants discussed the achieved results and the search for optimal solutions to problematic issues for further progress. Denys Shmyhal listened to the reports of ministers and heads of RSAs.

The Head of Government thanked all those who care for children, including teachers, doctors, volunteers, philanthropists, representatives of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, caring Ukrainians and international partners. The PM thanked The First Lady of Ukraine  Olena Zelenska for her efforts in key areas of children's rights.

Following the outcomes of the meeting the Prime Minister commissioned the line ministries to elaborate and submit to the Government solutions designed to address issues and strengthen the protection of children's rights. Moreover, regional and Kyiv city state administrations together with local self-government bodies should coordinate the activities of territorial communities concerning the urgent establishment of children's services and intensify work on the development of family education and foster families in each territorial community.