Angelina Jolie released a joint statement with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) about ending her work with them. The Wanted actress and mother of six joined the UN in 2001 and has been on more than 60 field missions since. UNHR said that Jolie is moving on from her role as UNHCR’s Special Envoy to engage on a broader set of humanitarian and human rights issues.
Jolie has publicly criticized the UN recently. She expressed her frustrations over UN’s lack of success in ending sexual violence, and accused UN Security Council members of “abusing their veto power.”
In the joint statement, Jolie said, “I am grateful for the privilege and opportunity I have had to work with so many outstanding and dedicated UNHCR field officers and other colleagues doing lifesaving work globally, and to serve as Special Envoy. I will continue to do everything in my power in the years to come to support refugees and other displaced people. 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”.
