Angelina Jolie, in her role as United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, has made her way to Tunisia (which borders Libya) to lend support for the refugees fleeing Libya who are seeking comfort and aid. Because of the serious nature of the situation there, she was accompanied by heavy guard … but, undaunted, Santa Angelina made sure to make her presence known in order to offer whatever aid she can on behalf of the United Nations.
Actress and goodwill ambassador Angelina Jolie appealed on Tuesday for international support for people fleeing the conflict in Libya and for increased aid for those inside the country. Jolie, a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations’ refugee agency UNHCR who visited the Libyan-Tunisian border, said recent arrivals from Libya had told her about heavy fighting, harassment and assaults. More than 400,000 people have fled Libya to Tunisia, Egypt, Niger, Algeria, Chad and Sudan since February when rebels rose up against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. More than half have arrived in Tunisia. “The international community has done well to reinforce Tunisia’s remarkable relief effort,” Jolie said in a UNHCR statement. “But with 2,000 people still crossing each day, we cannot let the funding dry up and need to sustain the momentum.” She also appealed for measures that would allow the U.N. and non-governmental organizations to access Libya and distribute urgent assistance, including food and medical supplies. At the end of February, transit facilities were erected 7 km (4 miles) inside Tunisia to provide temporary shelter for those arriving from Libya and UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) organized humanitarian air evacuations. More than 70,000 people have returned home with the help of UNHCR and IOM but more continue to arrive. Some 11,000 third country nationals are still in transit. UNHCR said Jolie’s family Jolie-Pitt foundation had covered the costs for a flight of 177 people and bought an ambulance to help support Tunisian efforts to assist the wounded. There are some 2,500 people who are originally from war-torn countries and are unable to return home, UNHCR said. “They’re waiting here with little hope, unable to return home and unsure of what’s to come. This constant cycle of displacement must finally come to an end,” Jolie said.
The plight of the refugee is one that is all too easily overlooked in times like these. It’s really amazing that Angelina continues to work so tirelessly for those who have no advocate. I cannot imagine what it must be like to endure the horrors of war but I would like to think there would be someone out there who cared enough to offer aid and assistance to me under these sorts of conditions. Angelina is an amazing woman and a wonderful ambassador for the United Nations.
Angelinas great! This is why I love her…I think she’s so genuine unlike a lot of celebs who just pretend to do good.
She really is an inspiring woman. She is in a powerful position with her fame and money and she really seems to use it for the best. I bet her life is very fulfilling and exciting because of the good things that she does.
Too bad people tend to shadow her good works with concepts of celebrity when she is actually trying to do her job. All the other websites have people just trashing her saying it is a photo op when by being there people are hearing about the people in trouble.
Sadly even the media says that Angelina visited this place instead of putting the focus on the refugees.
Love Angelina and I would love to see more celebrities follow her footsteps in the same genuine way she does
I salute Angelina! Keep up the good work. You are one inspiring woman. Other celebrity should follow in your foot step. Great job! Great woman, we’re proud of you.
She’s one of the rare few celebrities who actually goes all the way in her ambassador job!!!! Actually she’s the only one! Can’t say the same for other celebrities who just went there, took coupla photos holding babies or kids and came back home and sipped their magaritas lying under the sun.