Yahoo News Angelina Jolie launches new book dedicated to young activists
Angelina Jolie has launched a new book championing young activists around the world fighting to "achieve a more equal society".
The 46-year-old actress shared images from the launch of her book Know Your Rights and Claim Them: A Guide for Youth - which details child rights and how young people can protect and defend them - during which she signed copies for children queuing up at the event.
Jolie commended young people for doing the work that adults have failed to do by taking steps to protect the environment and fighting to end inequality and discrimination in a post on Instagram. She also acknowledged the children in refugee camps and those caught up in conflict "who are bearing the burden of the consequences of those bad decisions".
"I’m so inspired by young people around the world who are on the front lines of the struggle for human rights," the star wrote. "From protecting the environment to fighting inequality and discrimination, they are stepping in to do the work adults should but so far have failed to do. And in refugee camps and conflict areas globally, children are bearing the burden of the consequences of those bad decisions.
She continued: "When children and young people have the agency, power and knowledge to speak up, they can change the lives of both young people and adults, helping to achieve a more equal society.
"That is the message of our new book, Know Your Rights and Claim them, which was written in consultation with young activists around the world - and is for them, and all the many young people fighting for their rights globally."
The Oscar winner has long been an advocate for human rights, especially for women and children. She visited the White House last monthto discuss reauthorising the Violence Against Women Act and FBI reforms, including better protections for abused children, non-biased forensic evidence collection, trauma care, and judicial training.
Jolie also met with gymnasts McKayla Maroney and Aly Raisman at Capitol Hill. Alongside Simone Biles, the two testified at a Senate hearing regarding the poor FBI handling of an assault investigation into former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.
Sharing photos of her visit to Instagram, Jolie wrote that it was an honour to meet with the gymnasts and that she's been in awe of their courage in coming forward.
"I was honoured to meet with some of the brave US gymnasts who appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday. I'm in awe of their courage and commitment to preventing future failures to investigate abuse," she wrote in the caption.
"As Aly Raisman said in her testimony, 'Over 100 victims could have been spared the abuse. All we needed was one adult to do the right thing.' Sending support and respect to them, and to all who are reliving this trauma so that system reforms can occur."
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