They make up a small part of the millions of children who have been displaced in Syria owing to the six-year-long conflict that shows no sign of ending. But 10-year-old Ansam, who was born blind, and a choir of Syrian children sing a song that reverberates amidst the ruins of a city devastated by war.

“Heartbeat – a song for Syria” was written and composed by Zade Dirani, a Jordanian pianist and composer and UNICEF’s Regional Ambassador for the Middle East and North Africa. He donated the song as “a message of hope from Syria’s children to the children and people of the world, with a simple request to get their childhood back.”

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In deep contrast with the destroyed city they live in, the children are depicted having fun, as children should (video above). For now, though, they can only reclaim their childhood on screen. The moving, melodious, song has lyrics like:

Amid destruction and fire, our wound is deep
We want to say it loud, but our voice is weak
We may be children, but our cry comes from the heart
We want to erase fear and be the change
We want to say it loud: everything is possible

Someone listen, someone hear
We want our childhood back
Together we can hope
We will be stronger and grow
With pain, fear and tears we write this song
Our hearts beat back to life.

A UNICEF report confirmed that 2016 was the worst year yet for Syrian children, with violence against them reaching a new high. At least 652 children were killed, while more than 850 were recruited for fighting in the conflict. Right now, 2.3 million children live as refugees in neighbouring countries, while innumerable are displaced within Syria.

“The depth of suffering is unprecedented. Millions of children in Syria come under attack on a daily basis, their lives turned upside down,” said Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. “Each and every child is scarred for life with horrific consequences on their health, well-being, and future.”