In recognition of International Literacy Day, the International Literacy Association (ILA) announced today the next phase of its Children’s Rights to Read campaign, an initiative that continues ILA’s mission of promoting equitable access to literacies among individuals of all ages and diverse communities as a basic human right and a matter of social justice.

Children’s Rights to Read—which advocates for every child, everywhere, to have access to the education, opportunities and resources they need to read and be successful—was first launched in 2018. The list of 10 rights, including the right to diverse texts that offer opportunities for students to see authentic versions of themselves and others and the right to extended time set aside for reading, has been translated into 16 languages and has inspired similar campaigns around the world (such as the European Declaration of Digital Literacy as a Basic Right of Children).

This new phase—anchored by a 2024 edition of ILA’s Advocating for Children’s Rights to Read manual—aims to reignite global engagement with an emphasis on small-scale advocacy efforts. The manual provides actionable strategies for a range of audiences—everyone from classroom teachers and reading specialists to librarians and policymakers. The included “Take Action” planning templates encourage literacy partners at all levels to look at what steps they can take to become even more effective advocates for children’s rights in their communities.

“The Children’s Rights to Read initiative underscores our commitment to literacy as a fundamental human right and also empowers communities to take meaningful action in support of every child’s right to read,” said J. Helen Perkins, president of ILA’s Board of Directors and professor emerita of literacy at University of Memphis in Tennessee. “I am deeply committed to strengthening ILA's advocacy efforts, and the Children’s Rights to Read campaign is a perfect example of how we can make a significant impact.”

In addition to the manual, ILA has reintroduced a pledge to support Children’s Rights to Read, inviting educators, policymakers, literacy advocates, and community members to reaffirm their commitment to the 10 fundamental rights. To expand the campaign’s reach, signers are also invited to take the pledge and manual directly into their schools, communities and professional networks. Activating these signers as volunteers will play a crucial role in advocating for and protecting Children’s Rights to Read at the grassroots level.

“We are thrilled to bring new energy to our Children’s Rights to Read campaign,” said Nicola Wedderburn, executive director of ILA. “Literacy is the cornerstone not only of education but also of equity and social justice, and our renewed efforts will empower educators and advocates to work toward a world where every child can exercise their right to read.”

To learn more about Children’s Rights to Read or how to get involved, visit: literacyworldwide.org/rightstoread