Stars in video appeal for Syrian children

UNICEF ambassador Ewan McGregor says he worries the world is closing its eyes to the Syrian conflict. Credit: UNICEF

A charity video featuring a host of film stars and musicians has been released to highlight the plight of children caught up in the Syria conflict.

UNICEF UK Ambassador Ewan McGregor is joined by fellow actors Michael Sheen and Tom Hiddleston as well as musicians Rita Ora, Tinie Tempah and Emma Bunton, in a short film which aims to encourage the UK public to open their eyes to the plight of Syrian children facing a third winter in refugee camps.

The video opens with the celebrities closing their eyes, saying: "There's no place like home," followed by shots of buildings on fire and a Syrian child running round the side of a building engulfed in smoke before reaching out to the camera.

Rita Ora said filming the video made her think of Pristina, her home town in Kosovo.

The 23-year-old singer-songwriter and actress said: "The city has seen its fair share of trouble but thankfully that's over now. But right now, children in Syria are suffering unspeakable violence, often fleeing their homes with nothing but the clothes on their back."

Actor Martin Sheen travelled to Lebanon with Unicef last month. The Welsh actor said: "I met Syrian children struggling to cope in desperate circumstances. As the bitter winter closes in, they are being pushed to the edge of their physical and psychological endurance. No child should be living like this."

Martin Sheen visited Syrian refugees in Lebannon earlier this year. Credit: UNICEF
Tinie Tempah is also supporting UNICEF's Syria campaign. Credit: UNICEF

The UK Government said it will match all public donations made to Unicef's work for Syrian children until January 31.

To donate text WARM to 70111 to give £3 or visit unicef.org.uk