I love you THIS much! Angelina Jolie ‘spends $12.2 million on secluded heart-shaped island’ for Brad Pitt’s 50th birthday

Their love for one another has never been in doubt, but Angelina Jolie has apparently reinforced the depth of her feelings for Brad Pitt by buying him his very own heart shaped island.

The actress has reportedly paid £12.2 million for secluded Petra as Brad prepares to celebrate his 50th birthday on December 18.

Angelina is understood to have snapped up the island, located some 50-miles away from New York City, after discovering its two sprawling properties were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Brad’s favourite architect.

A source told The Mirror: ‘As soon as Angelina heard the island was on the market she arranged a viewing. She was really impressed. The house is perfect for romantic getaways or as a family retreat.
‘It’s very private.  And Angelina knows the fact the island is in the shape of a heart will mean so much to him.’

Petra’s original cottage was erected in 1950, while its larger property was built from one of Wright’s blueprints in 2008 – 48-years after his death.

The finer details of its intricate design will not be lost on architecture fan Brad, who once admitted that Frank Lloyd Wright ‘changed his life.’

Angelina has previously treated him to a tour of the late architect’s home, Fallingwater, in 2006.

Republic of Armenia reaffirming the Government’s commitment to gender equality

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On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, representatives of the UN, US, EU, OSCE and Council of Europe Office in Yerevan welcome the 22 November statement of the Women’s Council chaired by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia reaffirming the Government’s commitment to gender equality.

We highly commend the determination of the Women’s Council to adhere to Armenia’s international commitments on gender equality, including the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Types of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), to which Armenia is signatory since 1993.  We also encourage Armenia’s signature of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence.

Furthermore we also support the Council’s call to ensure the effective implementation of the law “On Provision of Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities for Women and Men.”

We also support the call to the law-enforcement bodies to undertake all the necessary measures to prevent and prosecute intimidation of individuals and organizations working on gender equality and women’s rights.

 

We acknowledge the Armenian Government’s efforts towards harmonization of domestic legislation with international standards, as well as implementation of provisions and commitments of international legal documents to which Armenia is party.

Gender equality is a cornerstone of democratic governance and sustainable development.  We reiterate our willingness and determination to support the Government of Armenia in the further implementation of legislation on non-discrimination and equal rights and opportunities of men and women.

 

 

 

 

MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Violence against women and girls directly affects individuals while harming our common humanity. In response to this global challenge, I launched my UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign in 2008. Since then, partners around the world have joined our drive to protect the human rights of women and girls to live free from violence. I welcome the chorus of voices calling for an end to the violence that affects an estimated one in three women in her lifetime. I applaud leaders who are helping to enact and enforce laws and change mindsets. And I pay tribute to all those heroes around the world who help victims to heal and to become agents of change. Last month, on United Nations Day, I had the privilege of meeting again with one such hero: Dr. Denis Mukwege, the founder of the Panzi hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where women go after experiencing terrible atrocities. Dr. Mukwege has said, “Many times we are reduced to tears. Everything is so damaged. But we get to work. We operate. We fix what we can, and that is a lot.” He is inspired by the courage of the women he treats, including the many who go on to help others. Although Dr. Mukwege is dealing with violence against women in the context of armed conflict, his spirit to confront and fix this problem should apply to all of our efforts to help women facing violence in homes, schools and other civilian settings throughout the world, in every country, every society. Traditionally, this Day marks the start of 16 days of activism. From November 25th until December 10th – Human Rights Day – we make a special effort to organize and combat violence against women, an egregious human rights violation. This year, we are raising awareness by wearing the colour orange to symbolize our commitment to this cause. One way to make a difference is to support the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, which helps respond to human rights violations and needs from physical safety to economic security. While the demand for its grants has more than doubled in recent years, the amount it has been able to distribute has diminished by 60 per cent. I appeal to all partners to help meet this vast unmet demand for resources to further advance efforts to prevent and end violence against women and girls. This International Day to End Violence against Women is an opportunity for all people to recommit to preventing and halting all forms of violence against women and girls.