On 27 May 2025, the OSCE Academy held the first session of its newly launched Children’s Rights Book Club, a creative initiative aimed at promoting children’s rights through literature. Supported by the Global Campus of Human Rights and the Right Livelihood Foundation, the club is part of a broader project designed to empower young people through reading, reflection, and dialogue.

The first participants were members of the Child Leadership Team—a group of engaged and passionate teenagers committed to learning about and advocating for children’s rights. The Book Club will run as a monthly series of themed sessions, where participants explore pressing social issues through books, discussions, and hands-on creative activities. The project seeks not only to foster a love for literature, but also to encourage critical thinking and inspire youth to become active voices within their communities.

The theme of the first session was child labour, guided by Nazgul Kadyrova, BA Programme Specilist and Lead Fcilitator of the Book Club. The session focused on Iqbal by Francesco D’Adamo—a powerful novel about a boy who stands up against exploitation. Participants engaged in meaningful discussion, shared personal reflections, and completed interactive tasks that deepened their understanding of the realities faced by millions of children globally.

Future sessions will explore a range of topics, including:

1. The Right to Education
2. War and Displacement
3. Freedom of Expression
4. Final Session & Student Presentations

The next meeting is scheduled for the end of June and will focus on the right to education, using literature and creative activities to spark dialogue. At the end of the series, participants who demonstrate consistent engagement will receive certificates of participation, recognizing their growing knowledge and advocacy for children’s rights.

The Children’s Rights Book Club is a vital educational initiative that nurtures empathy, critical awareness, and civic engagement—encouraging young people to think deeply, speak confidently, and care profoundly about justice, equality, and the rights of all children.