Fight for human rights, equality universal: Angelina Jolie

Actress Angelina Jolie says the ongoing fight for “human rights and equality” in the US should be viewed as “one fight” taking place across the world. The actress opened up about the issue while highlighting the refugee crisis in a piece for Time magazine, reports etcanada.com.

“As the burning injustice of discrimination and racism in America bursts to the forefront, we must also address persecution and oppression rising globally, depriving millions of their rights, their liberty and their physical safety,” she began.

“Collectively, nations seem to have stopped regarding human displacement as a temporary, man-made phenomenon we have the power to influence. We are quick to criticise the human rights records of adversaries but silent when conflicts creating displacement and misery involve our allies… In our school years, we Americans are not taught enough to respect and admire the cultures and contributions of countries with histories far longer than our own,” she added.

Jolie continued: “What has become clear to me through my work is that the fight for human rights and equality is universal. It is one fight, wherever we live, and however different our circumstances might be. There is a dividing line running across our world between those who have rights and freedom and those who do not. Who we choose to stand with, and how much we are prepared to change and to fight, should not stop at our borders.”