But the actress admits she's no Angelina Jolie...
Keira Knightley has revealed that she witnessed trauma “unbearable to comprehend” on a trip to South Sudan with Oxfam.
On the third anniversary of the country’s independence, the Begin Again actress is helping to rally support for Oxfam’s appeal, providing aid for the 1.5 million people who have been forced to flee their homes or risk living in a conflict zone. Those who survived in the warzone are now at risk of starvation and diseases associated with poor hygiene in what the UN is calling a humanitarian crisis.
'I had no idea what to expect when I arrived in South Sudan, but what I saw and heard was worse than I could have ever imagined,' she said in a statement. 'All of those I met were suffering a terrible trauma unbearable to comprehend. I spoke to women who have lost their husbands and children within months of one another. They are now alone trying desperately to get through each day struggling to provide enough food and water to keep them and their remaining children alive. '
'The people of South Sudan need an end to the fighting, but with peace talks stalled there is little hope of a swift end to the conflict,' said Mark Goldring, Oxfam Chief Executive. 'In the meantime, Oxfam are working tirelessly to reach thousands of people with food and water but there are thousands more need our help.'
Despite doing her bit to bring awareness to good causes, Keira lightly admits that she’s no Angelina Jolie. 'I admire Angeline Jolie hugely,' she told the Telegraph. 'I don’t think I could ever be anything like as impressive or authoritative as she is on the world stage.'
'She’s pretty much devoting her life to her causes and that’s a great message. I’m always happy to help in any small way I can.'
'When those refugees asked me, "who are you" I really wished I could have said, "I’m a doctor," or something else useful. So instead I told them, "I am someone who is going to ask people to give lots of money to Oxfam, so that they can help you."'
To make a donation, visit the Oxfam website
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