Angelina Jolie Visits Iraq to Discuss Rebuilding of Mosul

Angelina Jolie gets emotional while viewing the destruction in West Mosul during a visit to Iraq on Saturday (June 16).

The 43-year-old actress and director, who is a UNHCR Special Envoy, visited with families during her fifth visit to Iraq.

Angelina is in town to remind people not to forget about the people in Iraq, nearly one year after they were liberated from ISIS occupation.

“This is the worst devastation I have seen in all my years working with UNHCR. People here have lost everything: their homes are destroyed. They are destitute. They have no medicine for their children, and many have no running water or basic services. They are still surrounded by bodies in the rubble. After the unimaginable trauma of the occupation, they are now trying to rebuild their homes, often with little or no assistance,” Angelina said while speaking in front of the ruins.

She added, “I have no words for the strength it must take to rebuild after loss like this. But that is what the people of this city are doing. They are grief-stricken and traumatized, but they are also hopeful. They are clearing their homes with their own hands, and volunteering and helping each other. But they need our assistance.”