UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie has called for a swift end to sexual violence against women in conflict hit nations including Afghanistan. 
 
At a meeting with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday, the Hollywood movie star said she and NATO have agreed on ways to help the military alliance better combat the use of sexual violence against women and children in conflict zones around the world. 
 
Meanwhile, Stoltenberg stated that NATO will continue fighting terrorist groups such as the Taliban and Daesh in Afghanistan. 
 
“There can be no lasting peace and security without equal rights and participation for women in all societies,” said Jolie. 
 
She added, “This is not only a question of protecting women; this is a question of valuing women.”
 
“We must shine a bright line on this darkest of crimes,” said Stoltenberg.

“NATO has the responsibility to be a leading protector of women’s rights. We know from experience that strengthening the role of women in the armed forces is not only the right thing to do but also the smart thing to do.
 
Stoltenberg pointed to the Alliance’s long record of fighting extremist groups which oppress women, like the Taliban and Daesh.
 
“NATO has the responsibility to be a leading protector of women’s rights,” he said.
 
Jolie said that over the past year about 65 million people across the world were forced to leave their homes as a result of violence and conflicts.