Vladimir Putin signed Federal Laws On Ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse and On Ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child Pertaining to the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

Vladimir Putin held a meeting with director of the Dima Rogachev Federal Research and Clinical Centre of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Immunology Alexander Rumyantsev and the Centre’s deputy director and chief medical officer Galina Novichkova.

Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Pavel Astakhov took part in the VII congress of Russian regional children’s rights commissioners, held on April 16–18 in Ufa, as well as a seminar for children’s rights commissioners and guardianship and custodial care authorities.

Vladimir Putin submitted to the State Duma for ratification the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on Protection of Children.

Vladimir Putin signed Federal Law On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation to Prevent the Sale of Children, Their Exploitation and Child Prostitution, as well as Activities Related to the Production and Distribution of Materials or Objects with Pornographic Images of Minors.

The Minister briefed the President on the implementation of the perinatal centre construction programme in Russian regions.

Ms Matviyenko briefed Vladimir Putin on the Council’s work, in particular, implementation of the national strategy for protecting children’s interests and the drafting of a state family policy concept.

Mr Astakhov briefed Vladimir Putin on the results of his work over the last three years, noting in particular that all 83 Russian regions now have children’s rights ombudsmen, inspections of children’s institutions have taken place in 77 regions, and an expert council has drafted the Russia Without Orphans programme.

Vladimir Putin took part in the official opening of a new multipurpose building at the Sambo-70 sports and education complex, held a meeting with coaches, athletes, sports veterans and experts on developing children’s physical education and children’s and youth sport.

Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to participants, organisers and guests of the VI International Children’s Winter Games.

Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Pavel Astakhov had a meeting with representatives of public organizations to discuss the provisions of the project of the Russia Without Orphans Federal Targeted Programme.

Pressident Putin attended the first Congress of Parents underway in Moscow. Representatives of 60 Russian regions are discussing education issues, the introduction of new mechanisms in the juvenile justice system, as well as the adoption of orphans.

Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoys to the Federal Districts.

Vladimir Putin signed Executive Order On Measures Concerning the Implementation of Government Policy on Orphaned Children and those without Parental Care.

Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Ivanov held the first meeting of the Coordinating Council for Implementing the 2012–2017 National Children’s Interests Action Strategy.

Mr Nagovitsyn reported to the President on the republic's socio-economic development, in particular, the implementation of the programme aimed at providing housing to young families and measures on reducing preschool waiting lists.

During a meeting held at the Interior Ministry, Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Pavel Astakhov and Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev signed a cooperation agreement.

The 6^th Congress of Commissioners for Children’s Rights in Russia’s Federal Constituent Entities opened in Kazan and will last for three days. Children’s rights commissioners from Russia’s 83 regions will participate in the Congress, along with representatives of federal agencies, NGOs and expert organisations. Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Pavel Astakhov and President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov participated in the Congress.