Yesterday, November 20, 2016, the United Nations celebrated the Universal Children’s Day to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and to improve the welfare of children around the world. The Universal Children’s Day also highlights the injustice so many of the world’s poorest and most disadvantaged children still face.

As part of this year’s celebration, over 200 prominent writers including novelists, playwrights and poets, joined a global literary campaign to pen ‘tiny stories’ of around seven lines. The short story series kicks off UNICEF’s commemoration of its 70th year working to bring help and hope to every child.

The group of writers, whose genres range from fairy tales to fiction, include one 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.

“It is shocking to see that the lives of many children are still so heavily impacted by the horror of conflict, inequality, poverty and discrimination. I hope these Tiny Stories can remind the world that we must sustain our commitment to all of these children whose lives and future are at stake,” said Paloma Escudero, UNICEF spokesperson.

Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie launched the series with her tiny story:

I want every child to go to sleep well-fed

And not worry about the next meal

Or the next.

I want every child to have primary healthcare.

I want every child to be protected by adults

And to take for granted the kindness of adults

And never to be treated like adults.

“As writers we are able to advocate through the simplicity of storytelling. With this worthy and necessary campaign, we advocate for the protection of the rights of precious children all over the world,” Adichie said.

The Tiny Story series began on 14th November and climaxed on November 20th–the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.