A young Nigerian boy in a camp for displaced persons in Maiduguri, Borno State, has joined 17 other children from across the world to write to world leaders, urging them to end violence against children.

The touching letter, launched last Tuesday, September 15, by Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham, was co-written by children from Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gaza, Iceland, Ireland, Jamaica, Netherlands, Pakistan, Portugal, South Africa, South Sudan, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and a Syrian refugee in Jordan. It reads as follows:

“Dear World Leaders,

“Every five minutes, somewhere in the world, a child dies as a result of violence.

“We are young people from 18 different countries, survivors of violence who have experienced pain and abuse.

“There are millions of children just like us.

“We have been forced to flee our homes, fight as child soldiers and work as domestic slaves. We have been raped, beaten and attacked in our own communities. We have watched, powerless, as our parents, siblings and friends were murdered in front of us. Memories like these make our bellies burn with fear.

“No child should start their life like this.

“In September, you will meet to agree new global development goals, a plan of action for the next 15 years. As young citizens of the world, we call on you to come together to build a safer world for children.

“We hope that one day the only bruises on the skin of children will be the ones they get from playing in the playground.

“You must act now to end violence against all children.

“Do not wait another five minutes. Our lives depend on it.”

•Photo shows UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham in the midst of kids.

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