Angelina Jolie has become known as an actress, a devoted mom to six kids, and an ambassador for the United Nations. But after more than two decades serving the UN, Jolie made the decision to step down from that position. And she explained why on social media.
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Find out what Angelina shared about her new goals in helping others. And learn why she believes in serving those without a voice, such as refugees. Get all the details below.
Angelina Jolie – Steps Down From UN Role After 20 Years
Turning to her Instagram page, Jolie reflected on why she wanted to take her volunteer work in a new direction. And she avoided any negative comments about her past with the United Nations. Angelina had worked as an ambassador for the UN refugee agency UNHCR for more than 20 years, noted the BBC. And the agency praised Jolie as one of the most effective advocates for refugee rights.
“I believe in many things the UN does, particularly the lives it saves through emergency relief,” shared the 47-year-old Oscar winner. However, she explained, “I will be working now with organisations led by people most directly affected by conflict, that give the greatest voice to them.” And she bid farewell to her past with the agency, sharing, “After over 20 years, I am stepping down today from my work with the UN refugee agency.”
The actress also reflected on her admiration for those she wants to help. “Refugees are the people I admire most in the world,” wrote Angelina on her Instagram page. “And I am dedicated to working with them for the rest of my life.” However, she did not offer specifics about her approach to her new goal.
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United Nations Praises Angelina Jolie
But although Jolie did not boast about her achievements, the United Nations praised the actress. And the agency, UNHCR, noted that Angelina plans to “engage on a broader set of humanitarian and human rights issues.” However, in praising her, the refugee agency stated, “Jolie has worked tirelessly, carrying out more than 60 field missions to bear witness to stories of suffering as well as hope and resilience.”
Angelina began her work with the UNHCR in 2001. And she took on the role of the agency’s special envoy in 2012. Taking time away from her career and family, Jolie traveled to areas such as the Ukraine and Yeme recently to reach out to refugees displaced by war.
And social media fans flocked to express their admiration for Angelina. For instance, one Twitter fan wrote, “In my opinion , AJ has given valuable Exemplary service under extraordinary dangers and unrest . One of the most compassionate agents for good the UN has employed in its Humanitarian role. God bless the UN , its workers and the people served . God bless Ms. Jolie.”
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And another fan shared, “We thank Angelina Jolie for her great service at the UNHCR for more than 20 years, as Goodwill Ambassador first then as a Special Envoy. May God bless her for the new direction she’s going to take.” Others agreed, with one commenting, “A life well led.”
Tell us what you think about Angelina Jolie stepping down from her role to dedicate herself to refugees. How do you feel about her history with the UN? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more celebrity news.
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