Angelina Jolie, the acclaimed actress and humanitarian, called out the United Nations Security Council for its lack of decisive action on the Syrian refugee crisis. At the same time, Syria’s U.N. Ambassador, Bashar Ja’afari, responded with a controversial remark about her appearance.
Speaking as the U.N.’s special envoy on refugee issues, Jolie urged global leaders to take stronger measures to aid Syrian refugees, criticizing the Security Council’s inability to address Syria’s ongoing conflict.
During the briefing, Ja’afari was asked about Jolie’s speech and remarked, “She is beautiful,” drawing criticism for his sexist comment.
Jolie’s speech highlighted the dire conditions for Syrians, with nearly four million refugees fleeing into neighboring countries, which are already stretched thin in terms of resources.
Additionally, the U.N. reported that approximately 440,000 people are trapped within Syria due to the ongoing civil war, now in its fifth year. This includes those besieged by government forces, Islamic State militants, and other armed groups.
Jolie, 39, who has visited Syrian refugees 11 times since the crisis began in 2011, dressed modestly in a white blazer and skirt for the event.
She removed her $250,000 diamond engagement ring before speaking to emphasize the seriousness of the situation.
She urged the Security Council to work together, stating that its division and indecision are causing immense suffering for the Syrian people.
She also criticized the council’s lack of a unified approach, citing Russia’s multiple vetoes on resolutions to address the crisis.
Additionally, Jolie addressed the Mediterranean migrant crisis, noting that more than 1,300 migrants, including many fleeing from Syria, had drowned in the sea over the past three weeks.
She described the situation as “sickening” and emphasized that people do not risk their children’s lives unless they are in a desperate situation.
Jolie proposed that the Security Council’s foreign ministers work together to negotiate a political solution for Syria, suggesting that each member visit Syrian refugees to understand the crisis firsthand.
“Those refugees cannot come to this council, so please, will you go to them?” she asked.
Following her U.N. appearance, Jolie spoke at the Women in the World Summit in New York, where she pointed out that women continue to face discrimination and violence in conflict zones.
She stated that issues like female genital mutilation and child marriage are often ignored and that women are frequently excluded from peace processes.
Jolie, who has six children with husband Brad Pitt, is reportedly considering adopting a child from Syria. A source told The Daily Express that Jolie has been emotionally affected by the plight of Syrian orphans, leading her and Pitt to consider adoption.
Earlier this year, Jolie underwent surgery to prevent ovarian cancer, a disease that claimed her mother’s life.
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