- Associated Press - Tuesday, October 4, 2011

GENEVA (AP) - Angelina Jolie is negotiating for a promotion at U.N. refugee agency where she now serves as a goodwill ambassador.

The actress said she and the agency are still working out the details of a new, expanded role for her in the worldwide refugee crisis.

“We are looking at a few countries in the world,” Jolie told reporters. “We’re hoping to discuss it in the next few weeks but we want to research it properly.”

Among the roles under discussion is special envoy on the refugee crisis affecting Afghans fleeing for Pakistan and Iran, which host 2.7 million Afghan refugees.

Jolie is a globe-trotting goodwill ambassador for the U.N. refugee agency, visiting dozens of countries during her 10 years in the job.

U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres told the agency’s executive committee that the world-famous actress could serve as his special envoy “to mobilize strong international support” during particularly dire situations.

Jolie told diplomats Tuesday that her work for them has been “moving, sometimes heartbreaking, but always rewarding, and unforgettable.”

She described refugees 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.”

___

Follow John Heilprin at https://www.twitter.com/JohnHeilprin

Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.

Click to Read More and View Comments

Click to Hide