Celebrities are backing a campaign to highlight the loss of childhood among young people in conflict-ridden Darfur.

Matt Damon, Joely Richardson and Thandie Newton will be among the well-known names pictured destroying children's toys as part of a global day of protest on Sunday.

Events have been planned in 30 countries to mark five years of conflict, including a gathering outside the Sudanese embassy in London.

George Clooney, who is also backing the campaign, said: "Days like this matter because they keep what is happening in the eyes of the international community.

"If we all raise our voices the international community will have to listen and respond. We need sustained international engagement if we're to see real progress on the ground."

And children's authors JK Rowling and Judy Blume have released a letter asking the world to bring childhood back to Darfur.

Around 200,000 people are thought to have died in Darfur since the conflict began five years ago.

Africa director at Human Rights Watch Georgette Gagnon said: "Five years on the killings in Darfur continue because world leaders have let Sudan - and some rebels - get away with murder.

"Millions of Darfuris are struggling to survive on aid handouts under the daily threat of being raped, beaten or killed. Sudanese leaders need to know they will pay a heavy price for continuing to defy the UN Security Council."

Drawings by children who have witnessed the war are being displayed on the internet to mark the fifth anniversary at www.globefordarfur.org.

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