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Theron, 33, will focus on ending violence against women – an issue that is personally resonant with the actress. At age 15, her mother fatally shot her father, an alcoholic, who drunkenly threatened her family.
"You have used your voice, compassion and special relationship with the public to create a better world," U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told the Hancock star at the ceremony.
The South African-born actress is one of 10 celebrities serving in this role.
Other celebrity messengers of peace include cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Michael Douglas and George Clooney, who was appointed in January for his humanitarian work as an advocate for refugees in Darfur.
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JOSH & FERGIE: ROCKED BY SCANDAL
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Married less than a year, the couple denies an Atlanta woman’s claims that she and Josh had a fling
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