The CEO of the BookCity Institute has sent a letter to Ms. Dorina Andriu‑Gitariu, UNICEF Representative in the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressing concern about the impact of the recent war and the military attacks by the United States and Israel on children and on the cultural environments that support their learning and well‑being.
In the letter, BookCity reaffirmed the importance of its partnership with UNICEF. The BookCity Institute is a non‑governmental and non‑profit cultural organization that, over more than three decades, has developed a nationwide network of nearly one hundred bookstores across Iran. Many of these spaces host children’s reading sections, cultural programs, and educational activities, providing environments where young readers can encounter books, dialogue, and creativity.
The letter also refers to the three‑year cooperation framework between BookCity and UNICEF Iran, launched in November 2024, aimed at promoting children’s rights, strengthening cultural participation, and expanding inclusive learning opportunities. As part of this collaboration, in July 2025 BookCity Central hosted a specialized workshop titled “Children’s Rights and Business,” organized jointly by UNICEF Iran and the BookCity Academy. The workshop brought together managers and booksellers from children’s and young adult sections across the BookCity network to explore how the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child can be implemented in everyday practice within cultural spaces such as bookstores.
The letter further highlights the broader consequences of the recent war for children. It refers to incidents involving a school in Minab and a sports complex used by children and adolescents in Lamerd, which have raised serious concerns about the safety of spaces dedicated to childhood. The temporary closure of schools and disruptions to cultural activities have also affected many of the everyday environments where children encounter books, stories, and opportunities for social and emotional development.
According to the letter, several BookCity bookstores in Tehran were damaged during the recent attacks, leading to the temporary suspension of many public programs, including cultural and reading activities designed for children and young readers.
In conclusion, BookCity expressed hope that UNICEF, as a global leader in protecting children’s rights, will give careful attention to the impact of these developments on children’s lives and on the cultural spaces that support their growth. The institute also reaffirmed its readiness to continue working with UNICEF through reading initiatives and cultural programs that help restore safe and inspiring environments for children.
Tags: UNICEF
