The children of migrant workers in Hujia village, Jiangxi province, receive gifts in advance of Children's Day, which falls on June 1. LIU JIE/XINHUA/ZHU WENBIAO/CHINA DAILY

The State Council decided on Wednesday, which was International Children's Day, to introduce new measures to better protect vulnerable children in China.

The decision was made during a State Council executive meeting presided over by Premier Li Keqiang.

"Children living in extremely difficult circumstances need special care and protection," Li emphasized at the meeting. "The government should work to build a safety net to better protect them."

Li was referring to children who endure harsh living conditions because of poverty, health problems or lack of parental custody or who have been abducted. Major problems that these children face include severe poverty and a lack of medical treatment and education.

A document circulated at the meeting introduced specific requirements for central ministries and local governments to provide comprehensive assistance to these children.

Such efforts will include providing financial aid and special medical care coverage.

Local governments are urged to fully implement compulsory education and guarantee that children's guardians fulfill their custodial responsibilities.

"Protecting children in difficult conditions is an important part of our efforts to build a moderately prosperous society, as well as a social safety net that leaves no one unprotected," Li said.

He also said the government needs to fulfill its duty to protect children in difficulty, and must further improve and revise legislation and policies in this regard.

Increasing subsidies and providing better protection for vulnerable children were put forth by the premier in the Government Work Report he delivered in March last year. During Wednesday's meeting, he also called for social efforts to create a good environment that offers more protection and care for such children.