How the world responds to the current refugee crisis – compounded by festering Middle Easter conflicts – will be critical to the future of the globe for decades to come, says Angelina Jolie Pitt.
The Hollywood star and UN Goodwill Ambassador reminded the world leaders that it is the spirit of togetherness that could help address the ongoing crisis which has seen influx of people fleeing Syria, Iraq, and African hotspots into Turkey, Jordan and Europe.
“If your neighbor’s house is on fire you are not safe if you lock your doors. Isolationism is not strength,” she told a BBC-hosted event as the European Union countries follow divergent policies – from fear-based building of razor-wire fences to generous acceptance – to the arrival of Arab, South Asian and African refugees.
Angelina Jolie reminded the world leaders that it was through collective and far-sighted steps that worked vis-à-vis the World War II refugee crisis, and instead of protracting the chaos led to unprecedented and globally agreed declaration of human rights.
“I believe this is again that once-in-a-generation moment when nations have to pull together…. how we respond will determine whether we create a more stable world, or face decades of far greater instability.”
According to the United Nations there are around 60 million people in the world presently, with millions displaced and forced out of their homes by the Middle Easter conflicts, including the Syrian conflagration.
The Oscar winner expressed her dissatisfaction with the US response to the migrant crisis, when President Obama’s plan to take in more refugees faces opposition in the highly charged 2016 election environment.
The UN envoy for refugees also criticized Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump’s anti-Muslim rhetoric, reminding him of the multicultural complexion and diversity of the American society.
“To me, America is built on people from around the world coming together for freedoms, especially freedom of religion. So it’s hard to hear this is coming from someone who is pressing to be an American president.
