Angelina Jolie is set to leave her role as special envoy to the United Nations’ refugee agency after more than two decades.
In a joint statement issued Friday, the actress and the agency announced she was “moving on” from her role “to engage on a broader set of humanitarian and human rights issues”.
Jolie, who has also directed films, started working with the UN refugee agency in 2001 and was appointed its special envoy in 2012.
She said: “I will continue to do everything in my power in the years to come to support refugees and other displaced people.” She added that she felt it was time "to work differently" by directly engaging with refugees and local organisations.
The press release described her as “carrying out more than 60 field missions to bear witness to stories of suffering as well as hope and resilience,” most recently traveling to Burkina Faso.
This year, she also visited Yemen and Ukraine to meet with displaced people.
The UN high commissioner for refugees, Filippo Grandi thanked her for her service, commitment and the difference she has made for refugees and people forced to flee.
“After a long and successful time with UNHCR, I appreciate her desire to shift her engagement and support her decision,” Mr Grandi said. “I know the refugee cause will remain close to her heart, and I am certain she will bring the same passion and attention to a wider humanitarian portfolio.”
The UNHCR estimates there have never before been so many people forced from their homes by violence, conflict and persecution. It estimates that more than 100 million people are currently displaced around the world.
The mother-of-six was won the best supporting actress prize at the 1999 Oscars for Girl, Interrupted making her one of the youngest to ever take the category.
Her next film is set to be an adaptation of the novel Without Blood by Alessandro Baricco - which Jolie has directed, written and produced.
