Angelina Jolie joins Instagram sharing a letter from an Afghanistan girl
Angelina Jolie has officially joined Instagram to share a powerful message about the current crisis in Afghanistan.
The actress and humanitarian dedicated her first post on the social media site to a teenage girl in Afghanistan, who wrote her a powerful letter on how the ongoing crisis has stripped her of her freedom and rights.
As the devastating crisis in Afghanistan continues, tens of thousands of Afghans have been displaced from their homes and are living in fear for their lives, after the US withdrew troops from the country and the Taliban seized control.
"This is a letter I was sent from a teenage girl in Afghanistan," the actress said in a caption accompanying the post, which has already amassed 687 thousand likes in four hours.
"Right now, the people of Afghanistan are losing their ability to communicate on social media and to express themselves freely. So I’ve come on Instagram to share their stories and the voices of those across the globe who are fighting for their basic human rights," she said.
The actress, who is a Special Envoy to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, also revealed that she was on the border of Afghanistan two weeks before 9/11, where she met Afghan refugees who had fled the Taliban.
"It is sickening to watch Afghans being displaced yet again out of the fear and uncertainty that has gripped their country. To spend so much time and money, to have blood shed and lives lost only to come to this, is a failure almost impossible to understand."
Angelina continued saying: "Watching for decades how Afghan refugees - some of the most capable people in the world - are treated like a burden is also sickening. Knowing that if they had the tools and respect, how much they would do for themselves. And meeting so many women and girls who not only wanted an education, but fought for it. Like others who are committed, I will not turn away. I will continue to look for ways to help. And I hope you’ll join me."
Humanitarian organisations and fans from around the world praised the actress for using the platform to promote awareness on the crisis and affect real change. With Refugees commenting, "Welcome to Instagram Special Envoy - your voice and those who join you are needed now more than ever," while Amnesty said, "Important. Thank you, Angelina," and British Vogue's Edward Enninful commented, "Thank you for using your platform for good❤️".
Fans also thanked the star, with one saying, "Welcome Angie to Instagram!! Thank you for giving voice ❤️🙌," while another said, "As a Turkish girl. I am proud to be your fan. You are a wonderful person. Thank you for not forgetting Afghans," and a third said, "❤️❤️❤️ from 🇮🇷".
Angelina's profile, which has already amassed an impressive 2.5 million followers, reads, "Mom, filmmaker, Special Envoy for UN @refugees". The actress also posted a link to an article on the UN Refugee Agency's website to her account, which "warns that humanitarian needs in Afghanistan cannot be forgotten".
While Angelina may have already gained a global following, the mum-of-six purposefully only follows three accounts: the NAACP, Doctor's Without Borders and Refugees. An effort to encourage people to follow the extraordinary work these organisations are doing in Afghanistan and around the world.
If you are looking for your own ways to support the Afghanistan community, we've rounded up a list of charities and resources you can donate to now.
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