United States: The Oscar winning Hollywood actress Ms. Angelina Jolie has announced that she is stepping down from her role as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR) special envoy after more than 20 years of working with the United Nations refugee agency.
The US actress has carried out more than 60 field missions with UNHCR, including several projects on the plight of millions of people displaced from their homes over the past two decades.
Ms. Angelina shared that “I believe in many things the UN does, particularly the lives it saves through emergency relief. I will be working now with organisations led by people most directly affected by conflict, that give the greatest voice to them.”
The Oscar winner added that “after 20 years working within the UN system, I feel it is time for me to work differently, engaging directly with refugees and local organisations and supporting their advocacy for solutions,”
The UNHCR informed in a statement that Ms. Angelina Jolie would “engage on a broader set of humanitarian and human rights issues”.
The UNHCR chief Mr. Filippo Grandi remarked that “we are grateful for her decades of service, her commitment, and the difference she has made for refugees and people forced to flee. After a long and successful time with UNHCR, I appreciate her desire to shift her engagement and support her decision.”
Mr. Grandi added that “I know the refugee cause will remain close to her heart, and I am certain she will bring the same passion and attention to a wider humanitarian portfolio. I look forward to our continued friendship.”
Ms. Angelina has worked with UNHCR since 2001 and became a special envoy in 2012.