On Syrian Crisis, Angelina Jolie Says: “A Viable Political Settlement Is The Only Way”
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On Syrian Crisis, Angelina Jolie Says: “A Viable Political Settlement Is The Only Way”
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The UN special envoy, Angelina Jolie, visited displaced Syrian refugees in Jordan on Sunday.
It was a heartbreaking and thought-provoking tour, being her fifth visit to Jordan (and third to the Za’atari region) since the beginning of the Syrian crisis.
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And Jolie was visibly unhappy.
The Jolie visit: Angie and her two daughters
Accompanied by two of her daughters, Shiloh and Zahara, the movie star visited the Syrian refugee camp in Za’atari where over 75,000 Syrians live.
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While Shiloh and Zahara played with the girls of their age in the camp, Jolie walked through, talking with and offering words of encouragement to families. She also expressed her pride in the strong survival spirit exhibited by the Syrian refugees.
Jolie calls for an end to the war
Jolie expressed her disappointment with the inadequate funding of the UN refugee agency meant to assist neighboring countries, like Jordan and Lebanon, who have provided a safe haven for over 5.5 million Syrian refugees.
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She also strongly urged the world powers to come up with a political settlement to bring this war to an end. She went on to add that humanitarian aid is not a long-term solution, so they should come up with something more sustainable.
As she spoke in the desert camp of Za’atari, Jolie expressed her disappointment saying:
It is heartbreaking to return to Jordan and witness the levels of hardship and trauma among Syrian refugees as this war enters its eighth year.
And to the teenage girls and refugee families, Jolie encouraged them stating that they are very strong.
Ultimately, Jolie is of the opinion that humanitarian aid would no longer be enough, adding that "no one wants to get off aid more than a Syrian family."
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Memorable statements made by Jolie
Every word she spoke in comfort to the refugees was like balm to their hurting souls. She endeavored to make them feel like they were not in this alone. Then, she wrapped up by stating that a more permanent solution is required.
A viable political settlement is the only way to create the conditions for Syrians to be able to return to their homes, to end the human suffering and the strain on host countries.
We hope that world leaders heard her call. This conflict should be ended as fast as possible.
