“Know Your Rights and Claim Them”, written with human rights lawyer Geraldine Van Bueren, one of the original drafters of the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, aims to equip kids with the knowledge to safely challenge injustices.
“So many children are in harm’s way across the world and we’re simply not doing enough,” Jolie said. “These are their rights, decided years ago based on what would make them healthy, balanced, safe and stable adults.”
Jolie, special envoy for UN refugee agency UNHCR, said she hoped the book would also remind governments of their commitment to the global treaty enshrining children’s civil, social, political and economic rights.
“We spent a lot of time blocking those rights, so this book is to help the kids have a tool book to say, ‘These are your rights; these are things you need to question to see how far you – depending on your country and circumstance – are from accessing those rights; what are your obstacles; others that came before you and fought; and ways you can fight’.
“It’s a handbook to fight back.”
The mother-of-six said she put up the UN charter that protects children’s rights in her home for her own kids, but was surprised to learn her own country, the United States, has not ratified it.
“That infuriated me and made me start to question, what does that mean? For each country, what is this idea of the right to an education? Why are so many children out of school? Why is it that the girls in Afghanistan are being harmed if they go?”
‘Find your own path forward’
The book addresses identity, justice, education and protection from harm, among other issues. It provides guidance on becoming an activist and being safe, as well as a glossary of terms and organisations.
“Through the book, you have to find your own path forward, because we are very concerned about the safety of children. We don’t want children just running around screaming for their rights and putting themselves in danger,” Jolie said.
The book is peppered with examples of powerful young voices from around the world, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, climate activist Greta Thunberg, and 15-year-old Palestinian journalist Janna Jihad.
The book is out in the United Kingdom today and for pre-order in other countries, with the aim of worldwide publication.
“We’re going to find that some adults in some countries are going to block the book, and the children will find it, so I think that’s how it’s going to reach more children,” Jolie said.
“The children will make each other aware of it, and they might even be a part of translating it and getting it to each other.”