Children are society's most precious treasure and their interests should take priority in the drawing up of policies, Education Minister Louis Galea said yesterday.
The day was a special one for children because it was United Nations International Children's Rights Day.
Addressing a press conference with Dolores Cristina to mark the day, Dr Galea said a national activity will be held at Ta' Qali on Sunday in line with Unesco recommendations to celebrate the day with activities that promote the protection of children's rights.
The activity, organised by the ministries of education and of the family, Appogg agency and the Commissioner for Children, will consist of three hours of entertainment and educational activities for children, youths and the whole family.
It will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at the Ta' Qali picnic area.
Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Harry Vassallo said that, on this day especially, one thought of all children especially those who are going through difficult situations such as living with abusive parents and experiencing other problems within the family.
He noted that in the past few years the right of children to enjoy open spaces and the countryside has been jeopardised by greed.
The Green Party asked why so much out-of-school tuition is occurring across the country - a burden on many families who are left with no option but to finance private lessons.
The state should investigate if there is a real need for all this private tuition and, if it is found that it is necessary, then the state should financially support those families who have to resort to it, he added.
Marie Louise Coleiro-Preca, Labour spokesman for social solidarity, said that on this occasion the Labour Party continues to reaffirm its full commitment so that children's interests and rights would be at the centre of its policies.
In the policy updating process, the MLP had focused maximum attention on the needs of children.
It was for this reason that a Labour government would set up an institute for family studies and research.
It would also set up a national commission for the family and is proposing a department for children, Ms Coleiro-Preca said.
The office of the Commissioner for Children would be turned into an Ombudsman so that children would have fast and easy access to remedies that safeguarded their rights.