UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham has spent time at a refugee camp in Djibouti, meeting children and families, including those displaced by conflict and violence in neighboring countries.
David visited the Ali Addeh camp, which is home to over 10,000 refugees from Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia, and saw how UNICEF is providing life-saving vaccines to protect children from preventable diseases.
“This is the first time I have visited a refugee camp,” said David. "It’s shocking to see how children’s lives can be turned upside down as a result of conflict and violence and as a father it breaks my heart to see children living in such difficult circumstances.
“All children, no matter where they live, deserve a fair chance in life. With the support of my Fund, UNICEF is making sure that children in Djibouti, including child refugees, get the vital vaccinations and medical care they need to protect them from preventable diseases so they can grow up healthy and strong.”
Earlier this year Beckham launched 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund, making a personal commitment to use his voice, influence and connections to raise vital funds and rally for lasting change for children.
From ensuring children get the vaccinations they need in Djibouti to providing life-saving therapeutic food for children affected by malnutrition in Papua New Guinea, 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund is helping UNICEF to protect children in every region of the world.
David’s visit to Djibouti will be part of an upcoming BBC film where the Ambassador goes on a unique journey to play seven games in all of the seven continents around the world. The film will show the global appeal of football as David explores the impact the beautiful game has for different communities around the world in a bid to highlight how it can be a transformational force for good.
David’s incredible journey will culminate with an emotional return to Old Trafford on Saturday 14th November, where he will captain a Great Britain and Ireland star line-up against a Rest of the World team led by Zinedine Zidane. The Match for Children will raise awareness and vital funds for his UNICEF Fund.
