While we dream of a White Christmas, the people of Syria dream of peace...

As we're sure you're aware, the Middle Eastern country of Syria is currently being torn apart by a raging civil war. Aleppo, one of the largest cities in the country, has been at the heart of this violence and, even as you read this, the evacuation of thousands of civilians is ongoing as an unsteady ceasefire is maintained. Amnesty International is a global movement that campaigns for human rights and, this Christmas, they're asking you, us and anyone else who can, to take the time to draw an immediate parallel between the White Christmas we in Ireland dream of and the unwanted White Christmas the people of Syria are suffering. While we sit down to dinner on Christmas Day, surrounded by family and loved ones, and perhaps with a sprinkling of snow in the garden outside, many Syrian people will be covered in the fine dust and ash of destruction all around them.

We don't normally ask this, but if you could please share the above Facebook video among your own friends, it would go some small way towards raising awareness of the ongoing atrocities in Syria. Thank you.

Over the Christmas period, Amnesty International want the Irish public to join them on their journey to help end human rights abuses in Syria. You can sign up to help and find out more information by clicking here. Here's Colm O'Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty in Ireland, to talk about the truly shocking situation in Syria... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmHtCxPwibo In addition to Colm, over the festive season, several well-known actors including Andrew Scott (Sherlock, Spectre) and Amy Huberman (The Clinic, The Stag) will narrate a series of radio commercials, giving voice to harrowing stories from voiceless Syrians. One of those Syrians, however, has had the chance to find her voice. Listen as 'Sarah', who's name has been changed to protect her identity, speaks about her own experience of fleeing her own home to come to Ireland, simply so she could survive. Thank you for taking the time to read, watch and listen to these Syrian stories. If you would like to know more or if you feel that you can help in some way, please head over to the Amnesty International page by clicking here.