Yahoo Lifestyle Angelina Jolie Appears Before British Parliament To Condemn ISIS Rape Campaign
Angelina Jolie Photo: Getty
Angelina Jolie has warned that ISIS is using rape as a weapon of war and “the centerpoint of their terror”.
‘They are dictating it as policy, beyond what we have seen before,’ said the Oscar-winning actress, who was appearing before a House of Lords committee on sexual violence in conflict alongside former Foreign Secretary William Hague.
Drawing on more than ten years experience as a UN envoy, Angelina recalled meeting 13-year-old girls from Iraq who had been raped repeatedly and were bought and sold for as little as $40.
The mum of six highlighted the severity of this edict from the Islamic extremist group: ‘It is a very effective weapon and they are using it as a centerpoint of their terror and their way of destroying communities and families, and attacking and dehumanising.’
‘I think the most important thing to understand is what it's not. It's not sexual, it is a violent, brutal terrorising weapon.
‘Unfortunately it is everywhere, in and out of conflict in every country basically. I can't think of one where there is not this issue.’
William Hague and Angelina Jolie. Photo: Getty
William Hague, who co-chaired the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict with Angelina in 2014, made three salient points during the hour-long session.
Firstly, he emphasised that “this subject is one where it is possible to succeed”, before stating that putting an end to the practice of rape as a weapon of war is “a crucial part of foreign policy” not merely “an add-on”.
Finally he highlighted that for the UK and the rest of the world to be successful in combating this horrific crime, men need to stand up and fight for the rights of the women.
‘Often I have been asked “Why is a man pursuing this subject?” A breathtaking question when you think about it, but you do get asked that,’ he told the committee.
‘But these are crimes that are committed almost exclusively by men and that they happen… should shame all men.
‘Men and male leaders in the world have a crucial role to play.’
via marie claire UK
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