UNITED NATIONS, October 13 (RIA Novosti) - Famous Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom has been appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in recognition of his commitment to the rights of children around the world.

Bloom, 32, had break-through roles in 2001 as the elf-prince Legolas in The Lord of the Rings and Will Turner in the Pirates of the Caribbean, and subsequently established himself as a lead in several Hollywood films.

"We are proud to have Orlando Bloom as one of the strong voices for vulnerable children," said Ann Veneman, the executive director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Bloom, who has supported UNICEF's work since 2007, when he first visited schools in Nepal, said he was looking forward to working with UNICEF "as they continue to make the world a better place for children."

It is a common practice among the United Nations agencies, including UNICEF, to appoint famous actors, athletes and other 'stars' to promote their world-wide programs.

Celebrities who served as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors include Audrey Hepburn, Roger Moore, David Beckham, Jackie Chan, Mia Farrow, Vanessa Redgrave, Roger Federer, Shakira and many others.