Angelina Jolie Joins Instagram to Support Teenage Girl from Afghanistan

Angelina Jolie has never been one to thrust her private life into the public sphere, but the actress has finally joined the ranks of celebrities on Instagram in an act of public service. In her first post, Jolie shared a letter from a young Afghan girl describing the struggles of the nation's people since the Taliban invaded the country earlier this week.

"This is a letter I was sent from a teenage girl in Afghanistan," the actress wrote in the caption. "Right now, the people of Afghanistan are losing their ability to communicate on social media and to express themselves freely. So I’ve come on Instagram to share their stories and the voices of those across the globe who are fighting for their basic human rights."

The actress continued, "I was on the border of Afghanistan two weeks before 9/11, where I met Afghan refugees who had fled the Taliban. This was twenty years ago." She added, "It is sickening to watch Afghans being displaced yet again out of the fear and uncertainty that has gripped their country."

Since the country was taken over, many celebrities have taken to social media to demand that their governments take steps to extract citizens trying to flee the oppressive regime. A source told People that the actress hopes to use her status and newfound social media presence to bring attention to the young people impacted by this political upheaval.

In her Instagram post, Jolie went on to say, "Watching for decades how Afghan refugees - some of the most capable people in the world - are treated like a burden is also sickening. Knowing that if they had the tools and respect, how much they would do for themselves. And meeting so many women and girls who not only wanted an education, but fought for it."

She concluded, "Like others who are committed, I will not turn away. I will continue to look for ways to help. And I hope you’ll join me."