Big names behind big causes: actor activists
As Heiko Maas works with Angelina Jolie to pass a UN resolution on sexual violence against women in conflict regions, we look at other actors who are active in social engagement and the causes dear to their hearts.
Against sexual violence in conflict: Angelina Jolie and Heiko Maas
Germany assumed the chairmanship of the UN Security Council for the first time for the month of April. Germany's Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas, is using this time to address the issue of sexual violence in armed conflicts. Together with actor Angelina Jolie, Maas is proposing a UN resolution calling for perpetrators to be held more accountable in addition to a corresponding catalogue of measures.
Solidarity with refugees: Ben Stiller
Like Jolie, actor Ben Stiller has also been supporting the UNHCR for years. In March 2019, he traveled to Guatemala as a symbol of solidarity because he was outraged by the US policy of separating refugee children from their parents at the border to Mexico. He is calling for more openness towards refugees. In March, he was honored for his commitment by the UN Women for Peace Association.
Human rights activists: The Clooneys
Amal Clooney, a human rights lawyer, is also on the list of speakers for the UN Security Council debate on sexual violence in crisis areas. She is married to another politically active actor, George Clooney, who most recently has called for a boycott of hotels belonging to the Sultan of Brunei after the Sultanate had issued a death sentence for homosexuals.
#HeforShe and women's rights: Emma Watson
The socially and politically engaged actor Emma Watson fights for women's rights. Above she can be seen in Paris with members of the advisory board for equal rights for men and women. Already in her youth, playing the role of clever Hermione in the Harry Potter movies, Watson saw herself as a "kind of feminist." Now she is a special ambassador for girls' education for the organization, UN Women.
#MeToo: Emma Thompson steps up
Since October 2017, the fight against sexual harassment has become a frontline global issue via the #MeToo movement. The issue has especially impacted the film industry. Actor Emma Thompson, for example, in February canceled her speaking role in the animated film "Luck" after director and producer John Lasseter was accused of "inappropriately touching" women.
Against right-wing extremism and anti-Semitism: Iris Berben
Iris Berben is one of the best-known actors in Germany and has been president of the German Film Academy since 2010. In the image above, Berben has just received the Max Ophüls Film Festival's Honorary Award for her service to young German film talents. Politically, she promotes tolerance and diversity and is patron of the "Show Your Face" initiative, which campaigns against right wing extremism.
A tireless AIDS campaigner: Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor was one of the first people to become politically involved in the fight against AIDS at a time when the US government refused to recognize it as a disease. Taylor's film partner Rock Hudson from "Giant" (1956) had fallen ill with AIDS and died in 1985. In 1991, Taylor set up her own AIDS foundation to draw attention to the disease and financially support AIDS organizations.
Climate campaigner: Leonardo di Caprio
While many stars boast of their commitment to social and political causes, sometimes their altruism is questioned. Climate change campaigner Leonardo di Caprio is typically derided by some in the media for his carbon-intensive lifestyle. But as a UN peace ambassador, the actor has established his own climate protection foundation, and co-produced a documentary film on climate change.