Watch the animated story of a young Syrian refugee girl’s unfairy tale

UNICEF's powerful series “Unfairy Tales” is part of the #ActofHumanity campaign. UNICEF's powerful series “Unfairy Tales” brings attention to the youngest victims of the Syrian refugee crisis. These animations are part of the #ActofHumanity campaign, that puts the spotlight on the realities all refugee and migrant children face.

Since the Syrian Civil War began over five years ago, 1 in 3 Syrian children have grown up only knowing conflict. 14 year-old Ivine is one of the 8 million Syrian children, inside and outside of the country, who are in need of humanitarian aid.

Behind the animation in the video above is the real story of a girl who survives through bombings that killed family members. After leaving everything behind but a pillow, Ivine escaped Syria with her mother to find refuge in Europe.

On her journey, Ivine slept in the cold wilderness and traveled through stormy seas. She had recurring nightmares of the tragic scenes she’d witnessed back in Syria. Ivine eventually settled into a German refugee camp but the experience has taken a great toll on her hopes and dreams for the future.

“I’d have nightmares about those scenes, and I’d cry. I’d wake up, and my pillow would be soaking wet from all my tears,” Ivine says in the video.

The video is an example of how powerful animation can bring to life real stories and deliver emotionally charged messages. The contrast between the colorful, whimsical animation and the heart-breaking account of Ivine’s journey is a powerful representation of the plight of Syria’s refugee children.

More than 2 million children currently live as refugees or are seeking asylum. No child should ever have to live through an unfairy tale.

Share Ivine’s story from UNICEF’s Unfairy Tales series to help fight stigma about refugees with a simple #ActofHumanity.

TopicsCitizenship UNICEF Syrian War Syrian refugee crisis Unfairy Tales #ActOfHumanity