Red Cross releases powerful Christmas campaign video to highlight the plight of families torn apart by conflict and violence

The number of families being separated by conflict, violence and natural disaster is at a five year high according to data from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Last year alone 18,000 new cases were opened of relatives contacting the organisation looking to reunite with loved ones.

Up to 74,000 families will spend Christmas apart.

The ICRC believes that this is just the tip of the iceberg, and the number of families being separated is much higher.

To raise awareness the organisation has released a new campaign video.

Using CCTV-style footage of parents in a series of familiar settings, from crowded shops to the zoo, the film captures the panic of mums, dads, and grandparents momentarily losing sight of their children, and their frantic efforts to find them again. This temporary separation is contrasted with the years of separation endured by thousands of families across the world along with some touching reunifications that have been facilitated by the ICRC.

“The pain of losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare, but for families affected by conflict, violence or natural disaster it is a stark reality that can last for years,” said ICRC spokesperson Matt Clancy.

Watch the film above, and find out how to support the International Committee of the Red Cross here.