Over 200 prominent writers, including novelists, playwrights and poets, have joined a global literary campaign to highlight the plight faced by the world’s poorest and most disadvantaged children.
The writers are expected to pen short stories to kick off the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) 70th activities in providing hope to every child.
The short stories will be shared by some of the world’s most celebrated writers with their social media audiences. The First Lady of Finland, Jenni Haukio, introduced the concept, which got global momentum, with writers joining from Asia, Africa, South America, Europe, Middle East and Australia.
According to a statement by UNICEF, prominent writers are to pen ‘tiny stories’ of around seven lines each to highlight Universal Children’s Day and the injustice many of the world’s poorest and most disadvantaged children face.
Chimamanda Adichie is expected to use her ‘Tiny Story’ to launch the series, from yesterday, running until November 20 – anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“As writers, we are able to advocate through the simplicity of storytelling. With this worthy and necessary campaign, we advocate the protection of the rights of precious children all over the world,” said the celebrated Nigerian author.
The group of writers, whose genres range from fairy tales to fiction, include one of the world’s youngest published authors, seven-year-old South African, Michelle Nkamankeng.
Written in over 10 languages and varying in style, all stories illustrate that the rights of many children are still neglected.
The campaign is coming at a time of increasing threats to child rights. Over 50 million children have been uprooted from their homes due to conflict, poverty and climate change, and millions more are facing unspeakable violence in their communities.