Hard-hitting sequel to viral video released by Save the Children

9th May 2016

The new film picks up where the previous one left off, following the story of a young girl forced to leave behind everything she’s ever known after a hypothetical war breaks out on the streets of London.

The video highlights the terrifying reality for thousands of children fleeing conflict, as seen through a child's eyes, following 12-year-old Lily as she escapes the UK to embark on a dangerous journey in search of a new life.

Risking their lives in over-crowded boats, frightened and vulnerable, a total of over *325,000 children have now crossed the Mediterranean and Aegean, fleeing war, poverty and persecution in search of a better, safer life. An estimated *340 children have drowned since September - that’s an average of two children a day.

Inspired by the stories of child refugees that Save the Children has assisted in Europe and the Middle East, the film reimagines Britain as a conflict zone, as if the refugee crisis were happening here.

“This video captures the terrible experiences of thousands of children every day,many undertaking horrific journeys that no one should ever have to endure. We wanted to bring home the reality of what it's like for those children, to capture the British public’s attention,” said Tanya Steele,interim Chief Executive ofSave the Children.

“Lily's journey is like those of hundreds of thousands of other child refugees searching fora better life.

“This is a generation of children who have lost everything- their home, theireducation, their family and in some cases their lives. Save the Children is calling for more support for children fleeing these conflict zones. We want a new deal for refugees, to ensure every child gets an education, protection and a fair start in life.

“Unless the international community provides safe and legal routes to families fleeing war and persecution, children will continue to undertake dangerous journeys in search of safety.”

FILM available from 1800 BST, Monday 9 May, at:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RCGWVd4j_WxIGalDkVi0w

SUPPORTING CONTENT:

http://storycentral.savethechildren.org.uk/?c=36392&k=fd6e957126

ENDS.

Note to editors

*IOM/UNHCR DATA - An estimated *340 children have drowned since September - Sep 2015 – February 2016http://www.unhcr.org/56c6e7676.html

*UNHCR DATA – *Statistics taken UNHCR Migrant arrivals Jan 2015 – Mar 2016 http://data.unhcr.org/mediterranean/country.php?id=83

- 2015-2016 there were 325,975 children who arrived in Europe (arrivals to Greece (01/04/2016) & Italy (29/2/2016)