The Weeknd, Radiohead Join Social Media Rally to Aid Ukraine Refugees

An array of stars, from the Weeknd and Billie Eilish to Stevie Nicks and Radiohead, will participate in a social media rally organized by World Citizen urging governments and establishments around the globe to help humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and elsewhere.

The Stand Up for Ukraine rally will happen on April 8, sooner or later earlier than a pledging summit organized by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and European Fee President Ursula von Der Leyen. The goal of the summit can be to garner cash to assist these displaced by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Funds may even be directed to serving to these in different battle zones around the globe, corresponding to Yemen, South Sudan, and Afghanistan.

The social media push forward of the summit will characteristic an array of stars, together with Madonna, U2, Elton John, Celine Dion, billy Joel, Hugh Jackman, Inexperienced Day, Juanes, Garth Brooks, the Jonas Brothers, Kacey Musgraves, Pharrell, Ozzy Osbourne, the Purple Sizzling Chili Peppers, Tame Impala, Chris Rock, Jon Batiste, Alejandro Sanz, Demi Lovato, and Pearl Jam.

The pledging summit and rally come after a name from help from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. “On April 8, the largest on-line occasion Social Media Rally will help individuals who have been pressured to flee Ukraine,” Zelensky mentioned in a press release. “I’m inviting everyone: musicians, actors, athletes, businessmen, politicians, everyone. Everybody who needs to hitch this motion and Stand Up for Ukraine.”

In accordance with the United Nations Excessive Commissioner for Refugees, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has left greater than 12 million folks in want of help. Over 6.5 million folks have been displaced inside Ukraine, whereas over 3.2 million folks have fled the nation because the struggle started on the finish of February. The refugee disaster in Ukraine — compounded with different humanitarian crises elsewhere — comes because the UNHCR system faces a $10 billion funding shortfall, hindering its means to offer assist and aid around the globe.

“Greater than three million refugees have fled their properties, with tens of millions extra doubtless on their approach,” mentioned World Citizen CEO Hugh Evans. “World Citizen has a historical past of responding quickly to humanitarian crises, and that is no totally different. We’re calling for a direct finish to this disaster, and the availability of speedy financing to help refugee aid efforts not simply in Ukraine however around the globe.”