Laura Bush (left) and Angelina Jolie.Photo: Jason Kempin/FilmMagic; Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty
Former First LadyLaura BushandAngelina Jolieshare a common cause in the push for equality in Afghanistan — Bush from her time in the White House and Jolie as part of her huminatarian work.
Now, as numerous Afghansseek refuge from the Talibanin the wakeof the withdrawal of U.S. troops, both are speaking out about the turmoil and what the international community can do.
The Oscar-winning actress and humanitarian, 46, recently joined Instagram where she dedicated her first post tosharing a lettersent to her from a teen girl in Afghanistan.
“Right now, the people of Afghanistan are losing their ability to communicate on social media and to express themselves freely,” Jolie wrote. “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.”
People wait to board a plane at Kabul International Airport in August, 2021.MSgt Donald R Allen/AP/Shutterstock
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The 74-year-old Bush has also spoken out about the unfolding situation in the country. In a joint statement with former PresidentGeorge W. Bush, who first invaded the country 20 years ago, the couple shared their “deep sadness” following the Taliban’s resurgence.
“The Afghans now at greatest risk are the same ones who have been on the forefront of progress inside their nation,” President Bush said, speaking on behalf of him and his wife.
He continued, “The United States government has the legal authority to cut the red tape for refugees during urgent humanitarian crises. And we have the responsibility and the resources to secure safe passage for them now, without bureaucratic delay.”
As the U.S. continues evacuation efforts in the country, and amid widespread skepticism that the Taliban will rule less harshly than when it was last in power, the actress and the former first lady shared with PEOPLE their fears for Afghans in a country again under militant rule — and what the world can do to help.
Angelina Jolie, special envoy for the U.N. Refugee Agency
“When the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan, they kept women shut in their homes, banned them from going to school and silenced their voices. We don’t know if the Taliban have changed, but the world has,” Jolie tells PEOPLE. “We have new tools and technologies. We are connected globally in ways we never have been before. We have an opportunity to make that count: to stay alongside the people of Afghanistan who are struggling to stay hopeful and are desperate to avoid new levels of violence and persecution in their country.
“We can keep ourselves informed and track what is happening to Afghan human rights advocates, to make it harder for abuses to be hidden. We can support humanitarian organizations working there. And we can ask Afghans what support they need and help them to get their messages out.”
Laura Bush, honorary co-chair of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council
If you would like to support those in need during the upheaval in Afghanistan, consider:
- Donating toUNICEFto aid Afghans in the country or
Donating to theInternational Refugee Assistance Projectto help those fleeing.
source: people.com
