Screen diva Angelina Jolie has reminded citizens of the world about the need to protect the young ones as the war against the coronavirus continues.
COVID-19 has affected millions around the world and the actress was unequivocal about the importance of keeping children safe during this hard time.
“Of the many ways that the pandemic is making us rethink our humanity, none is more important, or urgent, than the overall protection of children.
They may not be as susceptible to the virus as other groups, but they are especially vulnerable to so many of the secondary impacts of the pandemic on society.”
Jolie stated that social distancing could inadvertently lead to a direct rise in trauma and suffering for vulnerable children because there was no way to escape stress at home and in some cases, domestic violence.
She said:
“It comes at a time when children are deprived of the very support networks that help them cope: from their trusted friends and teachers to after-school sports activities and visits to a beloved relative’s house that provide an escape from their abusive environment.
COVID-19 has cut children off from their friends, their regular schooling and their freedom of movement.”
Speaking further, she asked:
“What are we doing now to step up to protect vulnerable children from suffering harm during the shutdown that will affect them for the rest of their lives?”
Jolie recommends that we call family or friends, especially where there might be concerns that someone is vulnerable.
The movie star concluded by saying:
“It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child. It will take an effort by the whole of our country to give children the protection and care they deserve.”
