All Blacks star Sonny Bill under fire for dead Syrian children Twitter images

New Zealand rugby star and U.N. Children’s Fund ambassador Sonny Bill Williams has provoked a storm of controversy after posting graphic photos of dead children following a visit to a Syrian refugee camp. A World Cup-winning All Black, Williams travelled to the camp in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley earlier this month with UNICEF to highlight the plight of the 1.2 million refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria. “What did these children do to deserve this?” he tweeted, alongside images of the dead children. While Williams was clearly moved by his visit, UNICEF said there were better ways at getting their message across.

This summer share a thought for the innocent lives lost everyday in war.

Sonny Bill Williams

The publication of the images drew a critical reaction from several followers and local media. "Sorry you (feel) the need to post pictures of dead bodies to highlight your cause. Where’s your respect?“ one person responded. "Wow that’s heavy, but do spare a thought for your young followers who will not understand this,” said another. Many comments, however, were supportive of Williams’ decision to post the images: "I’m glad you posted this, you created discussion and I applaud you for your humanity in visiting these victims.“

We see it as a fundamental infringement of those children’s rights.

Unicef spokesman Patrick Rose, in the New Zealand Herald

Middle East Sonny Bill Williams