Angelina Jolie considers new role with UN agency
05 October, 2011
Angelina Jolie is in talks to take on a new and expanded role with the UN refugee agency for which she already serves as goodwill ambassador, she told reporters Tuesday.
The actress said that she and the agency are still studying their options and working out the details for her to deal with refugee crises, but haven't settled on anything because they want to get it right.
"We are looking at a few countries in the world," Jolie said in answer to a brief question. "We're hoping to discuss it in the next few weeks but we want to research it properly and do it well."
Jolie is a globe-trotting goodwill ambassador for the UN refugee agency, visiting dozens of countries during her 10 years in the job. She also has served informally on occasion as a special envoy for UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres.
Guterres told the agency's executive committee Tuesday that the world-famous actress could serve as his special envoy "to mobilize strong international support" during particularly dire situations. Among the possibilities under discussion are a new role as special envoy on the refugee crisis affecting Afghans fleeing for Pakistan and Iran. Pakistan and Iran host some 2.7 million Afghan refugees.
Jolie told diplomats and officials with the refugee agency that her work for them has been "moving, sometimes heartbreaking, but always rewarding, and unforgettable." She described the refuges she has met as "the most vulnerable people in the world, and they are also the most resilient people in the world.
"Refugees are survivors, they are mothers and daughters and fathers and sons, they are all extraordinary people who have a remarkable story that tells of strength in the face of great loss," Jolie said. "They need our help more than ever."
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