ULAN BATOR, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia celebrated International Children's Day on Saturday, vowing to safeguard the rights and interests of children and draw public attention to the challenges facing them.

Mongolian Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, Minister of Labor and Social Protection Sodnom Chinzorig and other senior officials, along with thousands of children and parents attended the opening ceremony of celebrations in the central square of the country's capital Ulan Bator.

"Children are the future of a country. So, the Mongolian government has been paying special attention to create child-friendly environments and improve children's welfare," Khurelsukh said during the ceremony, wishing all Mongolian children good health and happiness.

According to the prime minister, the Mongolian government has set 2019-2020 as a year of children's development and protection, with an aim to increase parental supervision and attention to their kids and reduce violence against children.

The Mongolian capital on Saturday closed its main roads off to motors to prevent traffic accidents involving children.

International Children's Day was established in 1949 by the Women's International Democratic Federation. Currently, many countries in the world annually celebrate the day on June 1.

Mongolia began marking the day as an official public holiday in 1996.