New York - Actor Orlando Bloom was appointed Monday as a goodwill ambassador for the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) in recognition of his commitment to support children's rights around the world.

Bloom has been involved since 2007 in UNICEF work for children in Nepal, Russia and Bosnia and expressed his active support.

"Advocacy from UNICEF goodwill ambassadors helps build momentum to improve the lives of children around the world," said UNICEF Executive Director Ann M Veneman. "We are proud to have Orlando Bloom as one of the strong voices for vulnerable children."

"I look forward to working with UNICEF as they continue to make the world a better place for children," Bloom said in a prepared statement.

UNICEF has long employed well known celebrities in advancing programmes for children. Those celebrities include Audrey Hepburn, Danny Kaye, Shakira, Sir Roger Moore, David Beckham, Jackie Chan, Mia Farrow and Vanessa Redgrave. The envoys devoted their time to raising awareness of UNICEF, and influencing global policy on behalf of children around the world, the organization said.  dpa