Angelina Jolie leaves UN refugee company after greater than 20 years | Life-style

GENEVA (Reuters) — Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie will give up her position as a particular envoy for the U.N. refugee company however will stay a humanitarian activist, the United Nations stated on Friday.

Jolie, who has been on greater than 60 area assignments throughout her 21 years with UNHCR, stated she wished to maintain working with refugees exterior of the worldwide physique.

“I’ll proceed to do every little thing in my energy within the years to return to assist refugees and different displaced individuals,” Jolie stated in an announcement saying her departure.

“After 20 years working throughout the U.N. system, I really feel it’s time for me to work in a different way, participating instantly with refugees and native organizations, and supporting their advocacy for options,” she stated.

Jolie has been UNHCR particular envoy since 2012.

This 12 months, she visited Yemen and Ukraine to fulfill with displaced individuals.

The U.N. excessive commissioner for refugees, Filippo Grandi thanked her for her service, dedication and the distinction she has made for refugees and folks compelled to flee.

“After a protracted and profitable time with UNHCR, I respect her need to shift her engagement and assist her choice,” Grandi stated. “I do know the refugee trigger will stay near her coronary heart, and I’m sure she’s going to convey the identical ardour and a spotlight to a wider humanitarian portfolio.”

The UNHCR estimates there have by no means earlier than been so many individuals compelled from their houses by violence, battle and persecution. It estimates that greater than 100 million persons are at the moment displaced around the globe.