Orlando Bloom's New Role: UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

Actor will take on a new role fighting for kids' rights

Updated 2:15 PM EDT, Mon, Oct 12, 2009

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Orlando Bloom has already fought for the rights of humans, elves and dwarves in the "Lord of The Rings" trilogy – and now the actor is fighting for the rights of children around the world as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

"Advocacy from UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors helps build momentum to improve the lives of children around the world," UNICEF Executive Director, Ann M. Veneman said in statement released to Access Hollywood. "We are proud to have Orlando Bloom as one of the strong voices for vulnerable children."

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The 32-year-old actor – whose ambassador role was announced on Monday – has already witnessed the efforts of UNICEF in Nepal, Russia, and Sarajevo.

"UNICEF doesn't just deliver humanitarian aid, which is what they are known for all over the world. They also educate and provide tools which help women and children face challenges specific to their own lives," he said in a statement. "I responded to how UNICEF works as much as I did to the work itself. I look forward to learning more and to supporting UNICEF any way I can."

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Orlando joins a distinguished list of celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman Audrey Hepburn, Danny Kaye, Shakira, Selena Gomez, Sir Roger Moore, David Beckham, Jackie Chan, Mia Farrow and Vanessa Redgrave who have worked as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors.

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