• Angelina Jolie is leaving her position as the UNHCR’s special envoy after more than two decades.
• The Hollywood actress has participated in over 60 field trips with UNHCR.
• She was deemed one of the most influential advocates for refugee rights by the U.N. agency.

Angelina Jolie said on Friday that she will be leaving her position as the UNHCR’s special envoy after more than two decades of service to the United Nations’ refugee agency.

Over the past two decades, the 47-year-old Hollywood actress has participated in over 60 field trips with UNHCR, shedding light on the misery of millions of displaced people.

“After 20 years working within the UN system I feel it is time for me to work differently, engaging directly with refugees and local organisations, and supporting their advocacy for solutions,” Jolie said in a statement.

“I will continue to do everything in my power in the years to come to support refugees and other displaced people.”

She was deemed one of the most influential advocates for refugee rights by the UNHCR.

Since 2001, the Oscar-winning American actor has served as a special envoy for UNHCR, a position he assumed in 2012.

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In her extended capacity, she increased awareness and support for refugees and advocated for immediate solutions for people who were forced to escape, according to the UNHCR.

Jolie has “worked tirelessly… to bear witness to stories of suffering as well as hope and resilience”, the Geneva-based agency said.

Recently, she traveled with UNHCR to Yemen and Burkina Faso to meet displaced people in two of the world’s most underfunded humanitarian crises.

“We are grateful for her decades of service, her commitment, and the difference she has made for refugees and people forced to flee,” said UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi.

“After a long and successful time with UNHCR, I appreciate her desire to shift her engagement and support her decision,” he 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.”

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