Prince Charles makes direct appeal to Muslim leaders in video message

Prince Charles has called on Muslim leaders to speak out about the persecution of Christians in the Middle East in a new video message.

The heir to the British throne said Christians, Muslims and Yazidis had been evicted from towns in the turbulent region that their ancestors had lived in for centuries.

"Sadly, incidents of violence in Iraq and Syria are not isolated," he said.

"They are found throughout some, but not all, of the Middle East, some African nations and many countries across Asia."

He praised the efforts of people of different faiths who worked together to overcome "division and hatred".

The 65-year-old recorded the message for a new report from a Catholic charity that claims Christians are the most persecuted religious minority in the world.

Prince Charles said his role was to defend followers of all faiths.

"Faith leaders have, it seems to me, a responsibility to ensure that people within their own tradition respect people from other faith traditions," he said.

The aristocrat has taken on a role as a social activist in recent years, speaking out in particular on environmental issues.