Mic.com
6.16.15 | Natasha Noman
Late last week, Angelina Jolie gave a rabble-rousing speech on sexual violence at the African Union summit in Johannesburg. She said, in no uncertain terms, that ending sexual violence needs to be a top priority.
"There is a global epidemic of violence against women — both within conflict zones and within societies at peace — and it is still treated as a lesser crime and lower priority," she said, according to People.
The actress and activist is a special envoy of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees and brings with her years of experience in the fight for human rights. Jolie warned this isn't a problem specific to politically unstable or economically unviable countries.
"Women and girls are bearing the brunt of extremists that revel in treating them barbarically," she told attendees. "This is inextricably linked to our overall failure to prevent and end conflicts worldwide, which is causing human suffering on an unprecedented level."
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