Angelina Jolie is using her social media platform for good. The “Eternals” star created an Instagram account on Friday to share a powerful letter she received from a teenage girl in Afghanistan. voices of those across the globe who are fighting for their basic human rights.
Jolie, 46, has gained 1.8 million followers since she joined and her first post showed a handwritten note from the teen. “This is a letter I was sent from a teenage girl in Afghanistan,” Jolie’s caption read. “Right now, the people of Afghanistan are losing their ability to communicate on social media and to express themselves freely.”
The humanitarian continued: “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.”
Jolie explained 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,” she wrote. “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.”
The “Unbroken” director 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.”
A source told People why the mother of six decided to speak up about the current situation in Afghanistan.
“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,” the insider said. “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.”
