This week, the Hollywood actress and special envoy for the U.N.’s refugee agency returned to Bekaa Valley in Lebanon, to visit the temporary homes and speak openly with the families affected by the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis.
She spent quality time hearing their stories of the displaced families before taking the time to speak out as a special envoy for the United Nations’ refugee agency to plead with governments and world leaders to take leadership and help the millions of Syrian refugees return home to safety.
“Our times will be defined not by the crisis themselves, but by the way we pull together as an international community.”
Braving the pouring rain and winds at a press conference in Bekaa Valley, the brunette beauty sat down to give a passionate speech, imploring others to increase their support.
“I appeal to all governments to uphold the UN Convention on Refugees and basic human rights law, because it is both necessary and possible to protect people fleeing persecution and death and protect citizens at home,” the mother-of-six said.
“It is tragic and shameful that we seem still so far from that point.”
The visit marked the fifth anniversary since the beginning of the conflict in Syria, which has caused almost 4.8 million Syrian refugees to flee to Lebanon, and a further 6.5 million more people displaced in war-torn Syria.
“In my view it comes down to understanding the law, choosing not to be afraid, and showing political will. For the sake of the people of Syria,”
“And for all the refugees around the world looking desperately to the international community to provide solutions, I hope we will do this.”
The Maleficent actress concluded her moving speech with a message of hope.
“I also hope that the 15th of March next year will finally herald a Syria at peace, and will be the beginning of a time of returns so that these refugees are able to fulfill their desire to go home.”
Angelia, 40, spent time listening to the families affected before addressing the world leaders.
Tuesday’s speech wasn’t the first time Angelina has publicly addressed world leaders in making active change to help the Syrian refugees.
Just last April, the humanitarian slammed the U.N. for failing Syrian refugees during a briefing to the Security Council.
“We cannot look at Syria, and the evil that has arisen from the ashes of indecision, and think this is not the lowest point in the world’s inability to protect and defend the innocent,” she told the council.
“If we cannot end the conflict we have an inescapable moral duty to help refugees and provide legal avenues to safety.”
“It is sickening to see thousands of refugees drowning on the doorstep of the world’s wealthiest content,” the mother-of-six said to the council in April.
The volunteer work Angelina has done – and is doing – for the cause has been deemed invaluable.
UNHCR spokesperson, Adrian Edwards told reporters: “Her work does go substantially beyond what we would typically see as being the normal role of a goodwill ambassador,”
“I don’t think you need a rocket scientist to see the benefits that she is bringing in terms of the attention that she is getting for the plight of the world’s displaced.”
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