After over 20 years of service with the UN Refugee Agency, the world-renowned American actress, Angelina Jolie, announced that she is stepping down from her position as the UN special envoy for refugees.
In a statement on Friday, December 16, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced that Jolie is moving on from her position as Special Envoy after more than 20 years of “dedicated and committed” service to the UN Refugee Agency advocating for refugees’ rights and protection.
Jolie, who has been a special envoy for UNHCR since 2012 and has worked with the organization for more than 2 decades, said she intends to “work differently” and connect “directly” with local refugee organizations.
Jolie, according to the UNHCR statement, has put in a great deal of effort over the past 21 years, participating in more than 60 field missions to witness narratives of pain as well as stories of hope and resiliency.
“Angelina Jolie has been an important humanitarian partner of UNHCR for very long. We are grateful for her decades of service, her commitment, and the difference she has made for refugees and people forced to flee,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi.
“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.”
Meanwhile, international media also reported that the UN refugee agency has no plan of appointing someone else, to succeed Angelina Jolie, citing the UNHCR spokesperson.
