The actress said she was ‘grateful for the privilege and opportunity’ (Picture: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Angelina Jolie has announced she’s stepping down as UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) ambassador after more than 20 years of serving the role.
In a statement shared on her Instagram page, the actress paid homage to the UN, commending the organisation for its work with ‘emergency relief’ and for the ‘amazing people’ who work there.
‘After over 20 years, I am stepping down today from my work with the UN Refugee Agency,’ the 47-year-old wrote.
‘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.’
She continued: ‘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.’
Angelina also released a joint statement with UNHCR, which described her as ‘one of the most influential proponents of refugee rights’.
‘At a time when the world is facing complex, multi-faceted, and interconnected crises, she plans to engage with a wider range of actors on a broader set of humanitarian issues as well as work more directly with local organizations. Her portfolio will continue to include refugees and issues of forced displacement,’ it said.
The Oscar winner also added in the joint statement that she was ‘grateful for the privilege and opportunity’ to have worked with ‘so many outstanding and dedicated UNHCR field officers and other colleagues doing lifesaving work globally’.
In 2012, after more than a decade of serving as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, she was promoted to the rank of Special Envoy.
Angelina pictured giving a speech after visiting a refugee camp between Colombia and Venezuela in 2019 (Picture: Guillermo Legaria/Getty Images)
‘I will continue to do everything in my power in the years to come to support refugees and other displaced people,’ she added.
‘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.’
As well as being known for her acting career, having starred as Lara Croft and in films including Girl, Interrupted, Salt, Mr & Mrs Smith, Maleficent and Wanted, Angelina is also known for her activism.
Addressing the announcement, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said: ‘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.
‘After a long and successful time with UNHCR, I appreciate her desire to shift her engagement and support her decision. 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.’
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The actress said she was ‘grateful for the privilege and opportunity’.
