Angelina Jolie has written a foreword for a children’s book, These Rights Are Your Rights.
On Tuesday, Amnesty International announced it is launching a new book with Andersen Press on children’s rights for primary school students.
The book is released as children return to school and ahead of the Government’s review of the national curriculum, which starts this month.
In her preface, Jolie spoke directly to children.
Meanwhile, she is still battling ex-husband Brad Pitt for custody of their two youngest children, Vivienne and Knox.
The stars have been fighting over their six kids – which also include adults Maddox, Pax, Shiloh and Zahara – for eight years.
Jolie’s words in her preface were inspiring.
‘Children everywhere, from the moment you are born, you have the same rights as every other child,’ wrote the Oscar-winning actress.
‘Laws get broken all the time, but it is harder for this to happen if we know what they are and what can be done to stop it.
‘That is what this book is about… This book tells you what your rights are, where they come from and why they matter… When young people join together, you are an unstoppable force.’
These Rights Are Your Rights is written for children and is informed by children.
‘In light-touch words and pictures, with fun facts and jokes, it explains what child rights are, how they came into being, how governments are failing to uphold them and equips young people with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and others,’ the press release reads.
‘It shows how child rights apply online too, with advice on how to stay safe from cyberbullying, grooming and dark algorithm.’
It is illustrated by inspiring stories of children who took action when their rights were being denied. One story is from Sweden’s Greta Thunberg, who mobilized school children around the world to demand politicians take meaningful action on climate change.
The book has guidance on how to recognize fake news, build skills in how to raise awareness and ‘strengthen their confidence.’
Alice Sims, Amnesty International UK’s Human Rights Education Manager, said: ‘This book is ideal for Key Stage 2 – its child-friendly style speaks to children directly and is also useful for teachers and parents to understand and discuss their rights with them.’
These Rights Are Your Rights written by Nicky Parker at Amnesty International and illustrated by Sue Cheung, is published by Andersen Press and is available September 5.
Meanwhile, Jolie looks to have a hit on her hands with the film Maria.
This comes off an enormous victory for the actress: she received two standing ovations for her new movie Maria Callas at film festivals: one in Venice, the other in Telluride.
Jolie was grateful for the support of director Pablo Larrain as she learned opera for Maria.
The 49-year-old star plays soprano Maria Callas in the new biopic and was thankful that the Spencer filmmaker understood how much effort was needed for the part.
Speaking to Variety about the difficulties of performing opera, Angelina said: ‘It wasn’t easy. I was fortunate to have a director who truly understood and respected opera. He knew how much work was required and assembled a team around me to teach me.
‘He made sure I had the classes I needed and gave me the space to practice. From the beginning, he understood that I needed extra time to prepare, and he always supported my transformation process.’
Angelia explained that it was ‘daunting’ to take on the role of Callas but was delighted to be working with the Chilean filmmaker who she has long admired.
The ‘Eternals’ star said: ‘You always hope to work with directors you’ve admired, and I’ve wanted to work with Pablo for a while. It is a gift to take on something like this, knowing you’re in good hands and can push yourself to the edge because they’ll catch you.
‘Her music was daunting, but it’s good to feel scared. As an artist, being so challenged that you’re unsure if you can do it is a great feeling.’
The biopic received an eight-minute standing ovation when it premiered at the Venice Film Festival last week and Jolie explained that she spent the time reflecting on the legacy of the opera diva – who passed away aged just 53 after spending her final years living in isolation after her partner Aristotle Onassis left her for Jackie Kennedy.
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Source: USA Today