Angelina Jolie Steps Down as UN Refugee Agency Envoy

Angelina Jolie has announced that she will be stepping down from her role as UN Refugee Agency Envoy. In a statement posted on Instagram she said “After over 20 years, I am stepping down today from my work with the UN Refugee Agency.”

“I believe in many things the UN does, particularly the lives it saves through emergency relief. UNHCR is full of amazing people making a difference to people’s lives every day. Refugees are the people I admire most in the world and I am dedicated to working with them for the rest of my life.

“I will be working now with organizations led by people most directly affected by conflict that give the greatest voice to them.”

In a joint statement by UNHCR and Angelina Jolie, it was confirmed that “Ms. Jolie will continue to work to build a more equal, just and inclusive international system… she plans to engage with a wider range of actors on a broader setoff humanitarian issues as well as work more directly with local organizations. Her portfolio will continue to include refugees and issues of forced displacement.”

Jolie first started working with the U.N refugee agency in 2001, but was appointed a special envoy in 2012. The release described that in her role, “Ms. Jolie worked tirelessly, and carried out more than 60 field missions to bear witness to stories of suffering as well as hope and resilience.”

“After a long and successful time with UNHCR, I appreciate her desire to shift her engagement and support her decision”, said UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi. He continued, “I know refugee cause will remain close to her heart, I am certain she will bring the same passion and attention to a wider humanitarian portfolio. I look forward to our continued friendship.”

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