Angelina Jolie has joined Instagram and is using the platform to bring awareness about the growing crisis in Afghanistan.
The 46-year-old mother-of-six has been a UN special ambassador since 2001 – and describes herself on the photo and video sharing app as: “Mom, filmmaker, Special Envoy for UN.”
Angelina – who was awarded an honorary damehood in 2014 for her work campaigning to end sexual violence in war zones – quickly amassed over 4 million followers on Instagram after joining on Friday.
And taking to the platform for the first time, she uploaded a letter she had received from an Afghan girl – and also shared a photo of a group of women in the war-torn country.
Sharing the images, Angelina wrote: “This is a letter I was sent from a teenage girl in Afghanistan. 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.”
Reflecting on her past experiences in the Middle Eastern country, she continued: “I was on the border of Afghanistan two weeks before 9/11, where I met Afghan refugees who had fled the Taliban. This was twenty years ago.
“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.”
She added: 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.”
The letter from the Afghan girl expressed fear for living under the Taliban regime.
The world has watched on in horror in the past week as US, UK and Nato forces have withdrawn from Afghanistan – with the Taliban sweeping to power soon after.
While evacuations are underway, and countries including the UK have vowed to give safe passage to thousands or refugees, reports have emerged from the ancient country to suggest women are being abused, members of the public are being humiliated in the streets – and locals who helped Wester powers have been rounded up and murdered.
A source told People Magazine that Angelina felt compelled to shine a spotlight on the humanitarian crisis forming in the country via social media.
They said: “Angie felt compelled to join in a moment when women and young people in Afghanistan are losing the ability to communicate on social media and express themselves freely.
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“From her point of view, if she's able to be a part of the effort to amplify their voices, then she felt it was reason enough to join and use her platform.”
British Vogue editor Edward Enninful was among those thanking Dame Jolie for her message.
Reacting to her post on Instagram, the 49-year-old wrote: “Thank you for using your platform for good,” alongside a red heart emoji.
Meanwhile, fans of Angelina were quick to point out she seemingly broke a record for being a celebrity to reach 1 million followers in record time – beating old love rival Jennifer Aniston who set the record previously.
According to The Sun: "Jolie reportedly amassed over 1.7 million followers in just one hour" – whereas Jen took six hours.
