Children’s Rights Week Debuts at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek
From 1 to 5 April, for the first time, the OSCE Academy in Bishkek hosted Children’s Rights Week—a dynamic initiative bringing together students, experts, and practitioners dedicated to advancing the rights and wellbeing of children.
The week-long programme featured a rich series of lectures delivered by Dr. Elvis Fokala, Manager of the Children’s Rights Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, and Ms. Barbara Strasser, Children’s Rights Manager at the Global Campus of Human Rights. Key topics included:
- The History and Evolution of Children’s Rights
- Normative and Legal Frameworks
- Children Affected by Armed Conflict
- Child Protection Challenges
- Parental Separation and the Best Interests of the Child
- Children in Crisis Situations
- Juvenile Justice and the Rights of Children Deprived of Liberty
- Practical Skills for Supporting Children in Distress
- Child Rights Litigation and Advocacy
Interactive lectures fostered engaging discussions and collaborative group work, allowing students of the MA in Human Rights and Sustainability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
On April 5, Children’s Rights Workshop was held at the OSCE Academy supported by the Global Campus Central Asia and Right Livelihood, bringing together 25 children to explore child participation and plan future activities for the Child Leadership Team (CLT). The workshop featured welcoming remarks, interactive session on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and presentations on successful CLT activities from different regions. Participants discussed key issues such as violence, bullying, access to education, and training sessions. The event concluded with a reflective activity and joint dinner.