Understanding our rights: A childhood journey of discovery and empowerment
Iranian illustrator and author Reza Dalvand is using the power of art and words to connect children to the idea of human rights through his latest book.
I Have The Right is a journey through the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child through the prism of childhood – looking at how rights support and enable children to develop and prosper. Born and raised in Southern Iran, Reza says he wants children to understand their rights – and the rights of others – as they grow up. “Children are the future builders and leaders of our world,” says Reza. “One day, the control of the world will fall into the hands of those who are children today, and we have a duty to provide them with a safe, happy and healthy environment so that the children of the future generations will be people kept away from hatred and revenge. They should learn love, have proper nutrition and an educational environment, enjoy their childhood and be happy. Well supported children will hopefully be better stewards of our society, planet and politics.” Reza points to the current state of the world, with many areas witnessing political turmoil, climate disaster and high levels of inequality – all themes that can weigh on the minds of young people as they struggle to understand their place in the world. And while Reza looks to the future role of today’s young people he points out that there is an important role still to be played by adults. Not just in protecting children from the dangers and worries that they face, but by supporting them to achieve their potential.
Autumn-Winter 2023
He says that each of us can make a positive contribution to that future, saying: “Those dynamics are very worrisome to me, but I truthfully am very hopeful that the young generation that I see today will be more aware of their rights and grow from the challenges of our time.
“As an artist, author and illustrator I do not have the power to change unjust policies, but if I can’t, I hope my books can educate children and their parents to be aware of their basic rights and to demand their rights from those in power. God willing, making a better future for us all.” The Universal Declaration of Human Rights celebrates its 75th anniversary on 10 December, yet it can sometimes feel like it is in imminent danger. Protecting those rights for future generations can begin by engaging with and instilling them in today’s young people.
Reza points to Iran as an example of how art, in all its forms, can be a force for positivity in people’s lives. He adds that his upbringing and Iranian culture remains strongly embedded in his work, adding: “I am profoundly proud and connected to my culture. Fortunately, Iranian culture remains in the heart and soul of the people and the political influences of the governments have not been able to take it away from the people. Iranian culture, traditionally and presently, remains united with literature, poetry, art and music.
PEN&INC. 19
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
