Angelina Jolie Watch

Angelina Jolie has recorded a Public Service Announcement to bring awareness to Friday’s World Refugee Day.

“They have survived war, they have survived displacement, they have survived rape, they have survived hunger and disease,” Angelina says during the spot. “For those who have survived and for those who did not, we are thinking of you on this day.”

The dialouge is accompanied by photos of refugees around the world. An article penned by Angelina will appear in U.S. papers on Friday as part of the Word Refugee Day activities.

Other activities include a replica of a Darfur Village in London’s Trafalgar Square. Rome’s Colosseum will be lit with the refugee agency’s logo.

For more information got the UNHCR website.

I forgot to mention this but the forum was co-sponsored by Angie’s group Education Partnership for Children of Conflict. She founded the group with Gene Speerling last year as part of the 2007 Clinton Initiative. In this video from Tuesday’s conference, she’s talks about how transformative education can be to a child of conflict.

To read additional facts about children of conflict click below. I am eternally grateful to Angelina for her continued education on this subject. (more…)

Rumors started swirling yesterday that Angelina might join brother James Haven on the Hill to lobby for Global Action for Children. That was sorta right.

Today, the Washington Post confirmed that Angie is in DC. She, Pax and Maddox were spotted at the Air and Space Museum yesterday where lots of tourist took photos at a respectable distance. Mad wore a navy blue hoodie while Pax sported an olive green jacket. Pax also asked a lot of questions as the brothers toured Space Hall, Skylab and the WWI and WWII exhibits. (Guess he’s wells versed in English now.)

Angie was actually in town to attend last night’s Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards gala. She’s also expected to be at the Council on Foreign Relations today. According to Policy Director Leila Nimatallah “She might” help James with the lobbying effort.

Marianne Pearl was one of the women honored at the Vital Voices Event for her reconcilliation work after the the death her her husband.

Here’s a bit ‘o information that I didn’t know. James is actually a youth pastor at “Saddleback Church, the SoCal evangelical megachurch run by Purpose-Driven Life author Rick Warren.” I knew he was a devout Christian but I had no idea he’d gone into ministry. He’s also on the advisory board for Global Action for Children. These two really have done their mom proud.

Updated while posting. Angelina was indeed at the Council on Foreign Relations. See photos above and after the cut. She really is getting big. Wonder when this baby is due.

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Angelina wrote a thought provoking editorial this week for the Washington Post. Unlike most of the liberals( I think saying Angelina is liberal is a safe assumption-I’m also pretty liberal so no judgment here.) she thinks we should stay in Iraq.  Based on her Iraqi experiences in Febuary, she thinks this is the best course of action for the country, and the region at large. Here’s a snippet:

“My visit left me even more deeply convinced that we not only have a moral obligation to help displaced Iraqi families, but also a serious, long-term, national security interest in ending this crisis.

Today’s humanitarian crisis in Iraq — and the potential consequences for our national security — are great. Can the United States afford to gamble that 4 million or more poor and displaced people, in the heart of Middle East, won’t explode in violent desperation, sending the whole region into further disorder?

What we cannot afford, in my view, is to squander the progress that has been made. In fact, we should step up our financial and material assistance. UNHCR has appealed for $261 million this year to provide for refugees and internally displaced persons. That is not a small amount of money — but it is less than the U.S. spends each day to fight the war in Iraq. I would like to call on each of the presidential candidates and congressional leaders to announce a comprehensive refugee plan with a specific timeline and budget as part of their Iraq strategy.

As for the question of whether the surge is working, I can only state what I witnessed: U.N. staff and those of non-governmental organizations seem to feel they have the right set of circumstances to attempt to scale up their programs. And when I asked the troops if they wanted to go home as soon as possible, they said that they miss home but feel invested in Iraq. They have lost many friends and want to be a part of the humanitarian progress they now feel is possible.

It seems to me that now is the moment to address the humanitarian side of this situation. Without the right support, we could miss an opportunity to do some of the good we always stated we intended to do.”

Read the article in its entirety here. 

CNN got this exclusive sit down with Angelina while she was in Baghdad. It features many of the quotes found in my previous post. Angelina says she came to Iraq to learn about the issues facing the region personally. Apparently the reporter almost asked her about being pregnant but Angelina dodged. I can’t find any he footage which happened at the very end of this video. I don’t know that it actually aired more than once on CNN if at all. I’ve posted a snippet of the transcript below.

Damon: There are reports out of Hollywood that… (laughs)

Jolie: But I don’t have to answer. OK?

Angelina chows down with the troops in Iraq today. Wonder if she’s eating for two or three.

Well it looks like we were wrong. Angelina wasn’t headed to Jordan but to Iraq. She touched down today in Iraq to highlight the plight of refugees. Angie’s trip included a visit with Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Angie is concerned that there is no concrete plan for the nearly 2 million internal refugees. An internal refugee is one that has been displaced their own country or territory. Think Katrina victims who were forced to move after New Orleans flooded.

“There are over two million displaced people and there never seems to be a real coherent plan to help them,” she said. “There’s lots of goodwill and lots of discussion, but there seems to be just a lot of talk at the moment.”

“I don’t have the answers, but I know this is one thing that needs to be addressed and solved. (There needs) to be a real presence here to help count the people and register the people,” she added.

She’s is very concerned with refugee children.

“Of the two million internally displaced, it’s estimated 58 percent are under 12 years old. It’s a very high number of people in a very, very vulnerable situation and a lot of young kids.”

“So far, the different US officials I met with and different local people I’ve met with all have shared concerns, very, very strongly. They have spoken out about the humanitarian crisis, but there seems to be a block in.

“I don’t have the answers, but I know this is one thing that needs to be addressed and solved. (There needs) to be a real presence here to help count the people and register the people,” she added.

She believes refugee crisis will affect the entire Middle East.

“And a big part of what it’s going to affect,” she said, “is how these people are returned and settled into their homes and their community and brought back together and whether they can live together and what their communities look like.”

The UHCR hasn’t been able to aid refugees due to rampant violence outside of Iraq’s green zone. Angie even took the time to have an…institutional meal with the troops. She’s really taking bullet for the cause there.

Click HERE for video of Angelina eating with troops.

Click HERE for Angelina’s CNN interview.  

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This is her first stop(and maybe her only stop) on the way to Jordan. I checked Expedia and it usually takes about 20 hours to get to Jordan from Los Angeles. The shortest flight is 17 hours. Connecting cities are Frankfurt, Paris and London. If you click in the picture you can see Angie’s ticket for BMI airlines which specializes in cheap flights from the UK to the Middle East. Some of the major carriers probably have agreements with BMI. Jordan is a fairly stable but the US Department of State has issued the following warnings about traveling to the country.

The threat of terrorism remains high in Jordan. Transnational terrorist groups, as well as less sophisticated local elements, have demonstrated the capability to pose threats in Jordan. Al-Qaida in Iraq network in particular continues terrorist activities against U.S. and Government of Jordan (GOJ) targets in Jordan. The Al-Qaida in Iraq network claimed responsibility for the November 9, 2005 bombings of three international hotels in Amman, which killed 60 people and injured over 100.

AND

Terrorists often do not distinguish between U.S. government personnel and private citizens. Terrorists may target areas frequented by Westerners, such as tourist sites, hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, liquor stores, shopping malls, transportation hubs, places of worship, expatriate residential areas, and schools. In light of these security concerns, U.S. citizens are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance, to be aware of their surroundings, and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. It is especially important for travelers to be unpredictable by varying their times and routes and to maintain a low profile. Moreover, U.S. citizens are urged to avoid contact with any suspicious or unfamiliar objects and to immediately report the presence of such objects to the authorities. U.S. Government personnel overseas have been advised to take the same precautions.

I’m sure everything will be fine. Still, we need to keep a good thought for Angelina as she does this important work.

Update:  Angelina’s final destination was actually Iraq. 

PageSix scoped out Angie at LAX this afternoon where she boarded a plane headed for Jordan. Angelina is surely doing some UNHCR work. Only recently would she even allow a bodyguard to travel with her. I don’t see one on the picture but I’m sure he(or she) is lurking around somewhere. She’s said that when traveling for the UN she goes alone, carries one bag and flies commercial.

According to the Mayo Clinic here are some of things that pregnant women should consider when flying.

• Ask for an aisle seat or a seat at the bulkhead — which offers the most space and comfort — or over the wings — which offers the smoothest ride.

• Fasten the safety belt under your abdomen across the tops of your thighs.

• Get up and walk every half-hour or, if the seat belt sign is on, flex and extend your ankles vigorously and frequently to prevent blood clots.

• Drink plenty of fluids. Low humidity in the cabin has a dehydrating effect.

Wishing Angelina a successful and safe trip.

Paramount has snagged Angelina for a thriller based on the life and times of Kathi Lynn Austin. Austin is an arms trafficking and terrorism expert that most recently worked for the United Nations Security Council. During her time with the UN, she undertook projects in Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia and Central America.

Angie’s longtime manager, Geyer Kosinski, said Angelina has long been interested in a reality based vehicle with franchise potential.  Think the Bourne trilogy.

The drama will also focus on a fictional character inspired by real life arms dealer Victor Bout. Bout is a former KGB agent who illegally trafficked arms throughout the word. Based on the few details we have, Angelina’s character would likely hunt down the Bout-based character.

Don’t expect this project to go into production as quickly as some of her other movies. The Writer’s Guild is still on strike.  They went back to the table today but it’s not looking good.

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angelina jolie, kathi lynn austin, victor bout, un, united nations, kgb, un security council

Update on the UNHCR’s Darfur funding goal:

Dear Refugee Supporter,

Last month, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) issued an urgent funding appeal for its humanitarian operation in Darfur, Sudan. Without the proper support, the agency will be forced to scale back its life-saving relief efforts in the region. In response to the pressing need we set a goal to raise $20,000 by the end of October.

Thanks to your generous support, I am pleased to announce that we exceeded our target - $20, 129! With your help UNHCR can continue its mission to protect and aid the victims of the Darfur tragedy.

In an extremely difficult security environment, UNHCR provides protection and assistance to many of the more than 2 million people displaced by the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. This year alone an additional 250,000 people have been forced from their homes.

In Darfur, UNHCR offers life-saving aid to those fleeing the conflict, providing access to basic relief items as well as shelter, medical care and education. With your thoughtful contributions, UNHCR can also continue to provide clean, safe water to displaced families, ensure counseling and assistance for victims of sexual and gender-based violence, and give protection to women and children.

Thank you for responding to our urgent appeal. UNHCR couldn’t do its life-saving work in Darfur without you!

Sincerely,

J. Michael Coburn
Acting Executive Director

The UNHCR aids refugees “fleeing across the border from Darfur” who “arrive in a remote, desert region[in Chad] where resources, particularly water, are scarce. Since early 2004 UNHCR has mounted a major logistics operation to move the vast majority of these refugees to camps at a safer distance from the volatile border.”

Unhcr, United Nations, Darfur

We know that Angelina and the UNHCR work extremely hard for refugees but I didn’t know a lot about the organization’s history or just basic information for that matter. Because I’m on a research kick, I did a little bit of research about this humanitarian organization.

Check out these facts about the UNHCR:

• The UNHCR was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly.
• The UNHCR stands for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
• The group’s mission is to protect the well being and rights of refugees.
• The UNHCR offers assistance to refugees regardless of race, nationality or religious preference.
• The United Nations defines a refugee as “A person who owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it..”
• The original mandate was a three year mission to help European refugees of World War 2.
• The organization relies completely on voluntary contributions from countries, corporations and individuals.
• The UNHCR seeks to repatriate refugees to their homeland if conditions warrant. If conditions are not subtable for repatriation, the UNHCR seeks to integrate or resettle refugees in other countries.
• António Guterres is the current High Commissioner. His term expires in 2009.
• Angelina is one of seven current Goodwill Ambassadors.
• Goowill Ambassadors use their celebrity to bring attention to the plight refugees.

“Refugees have done more for my heart and my spirit than I can ever express in words.” -Angelina Jolie

To donate to UNHCR go HERE. Every little bit helps.

Photo Notes: Angelina Jolie with the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, Anand Sharma in New Delhi, November 2006.

angelina jolie, refugees, unhcr, united nations

Nearly sixty years ago the United Nations created the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I try and look at this every once in a while to remind myself what Angelina, and perhaps in some small way this blog, is working so hard to educate people about.

I take a great deal for granted. If you are reading this, you probably do this same. Reading this declaration helps you remember that Angelina is not just a beautiful Hollywood star but a woman that seeks justice in the world. One of her tatoos reads, “Know your rights” and is a direct response to this document.

Document after the jump.

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I nearly missed a very important call to action for the international community. Luckily I came home to an email from One.org about the Global Day of Action Against Poverty-that’s today. The UN calls it the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty(thanks to Kyla for the reminder), slightly different name same goal. Although the day is over or nearly over for US Citizens, I doubt it’s too late to make Angelina and Brad proud by doing our bit.

Today, by making thousands of phone calls to Congress asking them to cosponsor the Jubilee Act, we can make the difference between passage and failure for this crucial piece of legislation.

The Jubilee Act cancels impoverished country debt, removes economic conditionalities from the cancellation process, mandates transparency and accountability from governments and international financial institutions, and moves forward with more responsible lending practices.

*Currently, for every dollar African countries receive in aid, they spend $2.30 to pay down debt.
* Debt cancellation is one of the most effective ways to help those living in extreme poverty. For example, when Tanzania received debt relief, the government spent the savings on education and eliminated school fees. Almost overnight, an estimated 1.6 million children enrolled in school.

Little religious history lesson here. The act is based on the Jubilee Year which is mandated by Leviticus 25:8-55. In the Jubilee Year, slaves and prisoners are freed and debts forgiven. The mercy of God is said to be particularly high during the Jubilee Year.

Here’s how you can help:

You can make a call in just one minute by:

1. Looking over this set of talking points

2. Calling 1-800-786-2663

3. Going here to register your call—this helps us keep track of which offices need to receive more calls.

The Jubilee Act calls for debt relief for some of the world’s poorest nations. Experience proves that debt relief for countries committed to investing in their people’s future is one of the most effective ways to fight extreme poverty. And it’s easy to see why.

Leviticus 25:8-13

8 ” ‘Count off seven sabbaths of years—seven times seven years—so that the seven sabbaths of years amount to a period of forty-nine years.

9 Then have the trumpet sounded everywhere on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement sound the trumpet throughout your land.

10 Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each one of you is to return to his family property and each to his own clan.

11 The fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; do not sow and do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the untended vines.

12 For it is a jubilee and is to be holy for you; eat only what is taken directly from the fields.

13 ” ‘In this Year of Jubilee everyone is to return to his own property.

angelina jolie, jubilee act, year of jubilee, jubilee year, united nations, un, one.org, leviticus, bible, Christianity, judaism

I’ve been meaning to post this but those Jolie-Pitts can make one’s life so very busy. It’s really hard to keep pace with them.
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