Actress Angelina Jolie on Friday criticized the UN Security Council's failure to end the war in Syria, as she appealed for urgent help for the growing ranks of Syrian refugees.
The Hollywood star spoke at the council in her role as special envoy of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, which has seen her visit camps hosting victims of the Syrian crisis 11 times.
An estimated 3.9 million people have fled the country in four years of civil war.
"The purpose of the UN is to prevent and end conflict, to bring countries together, to find diplomatic solutions and to save lives," said Jolie, dressed in a white blazer.
"We failed to do this in Syria."
She fumed at the stalemate, as ambassadors and ministers gathered for a debate on the humanitarian crisis tearing the country apart.
"The crisis is made worse by division and indecision within the international community preventing the Security Council from fulfilling its responsibilities," Jolie said.
The Security Council has been split between Western powers seeking to pressure Damascus and the regime's allies Russia and China, which both wield veto powers.
Jolie called for council "unity" to solve the crisis, and aid for the millions of Syrians who have fled to neighboring countries.
Some have died trying to cross the Mediterranean in rickety, overcrowded vessels to reach Europe.
"If we cannot end the conflict, we have an inescapable moral duty to help refugees and provide legal avenues to safety," Jolie said.
The actress spoke of a "sea of excluded humanity."
"The crisis in Syria illustrates that our inability to find diplomatic solutions causes mass displacement, traps millions of people in exile, statelessness and displacement," she said.
Earlier, UN refugee chief Antonio Guterres and the head of UN humanitarian operations Valerie Amos drew a dark picture of the crisis.
"One thing is clear: the situation in the region has become utterly unsustainable," said Guterres. "There has to be massively increased support to the neighboring countries."
He noted the "growing fatigue" of host nations, and that some are even imposing harsher policies on refugees.
With some 220,000 people killed, 7.6 million displaced and 3.9 million refugees, Amos warned that "people have become numb to figures that should every day shock our collective conscience and spur urgent action."
Amos, who is due to leave her post soon, called for negotiating "humanitarian pauses," enforcing an arms embargo and targeted sanctions.
She also urged that attacks on schools and hospitals be investigated, as well as those in zones where civilians are trapped by conflict. The UN estimates that 440,000 people are in that situation.
AFP
Sat Apr 25 2015
Jolie (centre) says the crisis is made worse by division and indecision within the international community preventing the Security Council from fulfilling its responsibilities. - Filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.