Angelina Jolie wraps up trip to Afghanistan
Clearly Angelina Jolie has not been sitting around her home in Berlin, wondering about how Changeling will do at the box office. That’s because she was too busy for idle thought - Angelina just wrapped up a two-day visit to Afghanistan. I had no idea she had even been planning on going, and that’s a good thing because it means the trip was kept very quiet, which is much better for her safety.
According to the UNHCR, Angelina viewed the current humanitarian situation so she could appeal for further international support, especially as they head towards Winter, where their needs will be even more critical.
Kabul is hosting an international conference in November to discuss how to strengthen and improve the humanitarian status in Afghanistan, so Angie’s visit was well-timed and important. Although she had visited with Afghan refugees in Pakistan twice before, it was her first trip into Afghanistan itself.
After visiting several areas of the country, Angelina said:
“The courage, resilience and quiet dignity of returnee families rebuilding their lives against the kind of adversity few of us can imagine shows the human spirit at its best.”
Many of the refugees have returned to Afghanistan since being displaced, but they’ve had to face a great deal of difficulty as they congregate in large numbers in limited, harsh spaces. Due to ongoing land disputes, economic turmoil, and unrest, few have been able to return to their previous homes. Meanwhile, about 3 million Afghan refugees are still scattered throughout parts of Pakistan and Iran and will require a great deal of help from the UNHCR to return to their own country. Angelina said:
“Afghanistan has been struggling to absorb these massive returns. It’s understandable. It’s one of the largest population movements in recent history.”
As a result, she is calling on the international community to commit to long-term recovery efforts and particularly to urgent aid before Winter hits.
Read the entire UNHCR write-up here.
I am so happy to know that even with a growing family, a film to promote, and Brad Pitt’s filming schedule in Berlin, Angelina has not lost site of the issues that are important to her.
(Photo above is from the UNHCR’s World Refugee Day conference in 2003 - as of yet there have been no photos of her visit to Afghanistan although the UNHCR site will probably have some up soon.)
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POSTED IN: Activism, Angelina Jolie, Angelina Jolie Pictures, United Nations
28 opinions for Angelina Jolie wraps up trip to Afghanistan
JW
Oct 24, 2008 at 9:58 am
yeah first! :D
dhc
Oct 24, 2008 at 10:13 am
I read this earlier today and was impressed that she managed to do this trip with such young twins. I wonder if she somehow took them with her, given she has been breast feeding, or if maybe they were able to be bottle fed? As of her last NYC trip she was still pumping (there was an article quoting a comment to an assistant about pumping). Even her most ardent detractors must admit she is incredibly committed to her humanitarian causes!
ducks
Oct 24, 2008 at 10:38 am
Bravo. She is a good woman and role model however don’t forget Pittwatchers the cause that she is standing for. Those poor people who are bedeviled on all sides just trying to find a roof over their heads and food to eat. May God bless Angie’s efforts and the Afghans needs.
nyc
Oct 24, 2008 at 10:49 am
Amazing woman! Her devotion and commitment to humanitarian causes is incredible! Gotta love her!
Mary Ann
Oct 24, 2008 at 11:14 am
Angelina is a young woman and I believe that there is a Nobel prize in the future for her. I always tried to teach my children that first impressions are lasting impressions. And this is what I think has happen with Angelina, she made mistakes as a young person and the people who do not have the intelligence to see that she has grown into a wonderful caring woman, mother and partner are not able to get past that.
CHRISTY
Oct 24, 2008 at 11:16 am
This woman is relentless in her humanitarian work, you would think that with six kids she take a break,but she is still thinking of the less fortunate because winter in coming. I’m sure there will be refugees out in the cold and lots of suffering. So more power to her for caring and bringing the world’s attention at the same time. LOVE ANGIE ALWAYS. I wish in our own communities we will think of the poor and elderly this winter and volunteer our services or donate whatever we can.
TanaK
Oct 24, 2008 at 11:19 am
I wish there weren’t all the people slamming her & claiming she does this for publicity for her movies! Who goes to Afghanistan as a mother of 6—for publicity for a movie? She has amazed me with her courage to visit the most horrific places & war zones alike (even while pregnant she went to Iraq). She is a TRUE humanitarian! If only more people took the time out of thier “publicity” schedules to help–IN PERSON–aid refugees & the poor & make the WORLD a better place for everyone!
I doubt she brought the twins with her–that would seem unlikely in a war zone–could you imagine what the press would say about her bringing her newborns there? I bet she is pumping (freezing the milk) &/or maybe the twins have switched over to formula.
She would still be amazing in my book for nursing twins for 3 1/2 months, although she’d be likely get flack for it either way.
Ligaya
Oct 24, 2008 at 11:41 am
dhc, :sigh: Unfortunately not. The negative nabobs of naysayers say that Angelina is doing it all for publicity & photo ops, it’s all a front and she’s using the refugees to feed her own ego, to get people’s forgiveness for being a homewrecker.
Village Voice critic J. Hoberman, in his ‘review’ of the Changeling called Angelina “Our Lady of Humanitarian Narcissism” (you can a post a comment on his review page – click on “show comments” above the article title, http://www.villagevoice.com/2008-10-22/film/angelina-jolie-suffers-for-us-all-in-changeling-zinedine-zidane-watches-a-good-game-in-a-21st-century-portrait/#Comments
and on the rottentomatoes comment page http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1191742_changeling/?critic=creamcrop, look for his pic at the bottom and click on the comment balloon – and give him your 2 cents like I did)- he made me furious. You have to register first – it’s quick.
Be sure to read his review first before posting, and keep it on point (no bringing up X, or overly complaining so that we seem to have a persecution complex) – if you can do it in a funny way, that’s the best. ;-)
Ligaya
Oct 24, 2008 at 11:43 am
UNDER MOD:
Village Voice critic J. Hoberman, in his ‘review’ of the Changeling called Angelina “Our Lady of Humanitarian Narcissism” . . .
angela
Oct 24, 2008 at 12:05 pm
wow. goodthing she had a safe trip.
Sherry
Oct 24, 2008 at 12:57 pm
I think the funniest thing about people who say she does it for publicity and photo ops is that no one knew she was gone until she was back. If she wanted publicity and photo ops, it would have been announced in advance to be sure there were plenty of pictures. Right now no one even has photos at all. I’m sure the UNHCR does since they have their own field photographers, but there was no paparazzi trailing her to the airport, no “how excited are you about your movie opening?” questions, nothing.
It was Angelina, the UNHCR, and a whole bunch of refugees, most of whom are probably completely unaware that she’s a household name and major actress because all they care about is that she’s a woman trying to help them get back home, get food, get medicine, and find their families.
People are so desperate to pin negativity on her that they just don’t even think.
nadia
Oct 24, 2008 at 2:08 pm
There is a new footage of Angie visiting refugee camps in Afghanistan on ETonline and she is so lovely and tender!!!
irma
Oct 24, 2008 at 2:16 pm
What an amazing woman. Is she back in Berlin yet?
She made me so proud to be her fan.God bless her & her family.
sarahc
Oct 24, 2008 at 3:30 pm
The women is amazing and very modest about it. She not screaming from the roof tops. She just wants to help people in need. Bless you AJ.
BT
Oct 24, 2008 at 4:18 pm
she’s using the refugees to feed her own ego, to get people’s forgiveness for being a homewrecker.
__________________________
AHAHAHA… The person how wrote this is
A) Very stupid and obvious hatefull.
B) Doesn’t know anything about Jolie’s humanitarian work.
Angelina started work with the UN in Fev of 2001 and she nominated Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR on Aug of the same year. For more than 7 years she has travel to 25 countries, she payd for all her trips expenses, sleeped on floors, been without food, been threaten… as all the other workers in the field.
But it’s not just the time and dedication that she gives to her humanitarian work, but she gives millions. Also since 2001 she gives a third of her income.
Nobody does this for 7 years for their “ego”. But even if was just for her “ego”, just think about the people that thanks to her “ego” have been helped in this 7 years LOL If only there were more people (actors) with Jolie’s “ego”, this world would be such a better place.
Jolie’s UNHCR page.
http://www.unhcr.org/help/3f94ff664.html
There are people that should open their mouths because everytime they do the only thing that come out is c r a p.
Ligaya ask those 2 people what have they done for human kind latley? It’s doesn’t matter if it was just for their “ego’s”, but tell them to make a list and then compare it to 33 year old Jolie.
Rita
Oct 24, 2008 at 4:26 pm
the ET video is also up on popsugar. Very moving, hearing her words. Take a look:
http://popsugar.com/2419907
ET Online video coverage of Angelina Jolie’s trip to Afghanistan
Oct 24, 2008 at 5:07 pm
[...] by Sherry on October 24th, 2008 Courtesy of the UNHCR, ET Online shared some video footage from Angelina Jolie’s trip to Afghanistan this week. [...]
dhc
Oct 24, 2008 at 6:22 pm
You know, Ligaya, I actually think arguing with people that post negativity just eggs them on. Why else would they do it? Clearly, anyone who takes the time to knock someone else’s life in such a time consuming way, is looking for attention and feeling unhappy with themselves. I choose to ignore them. I admit to living vicariously a little bit through these two famous people, but I have no desire to get caught up in word battles with people who seem utterly irrational. To each their own. Who are any of us to judge other people? Vote and wait for jury duty, instead!
BlessBrangelina
Oct 24, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Great points dhc.
I also agree that the fact that her journey was incognito until her return, tells us that this was not a publicity stunt!
Unlike the a certain person’s visit to a school to talk about “water things”. Pictures arriving (late) and leaving.
neer
Oct 24, 2008 at 11:41 pm
–“She’s absolutely serious, absolutely informed..Her work with refugees is not something to decorate herself. She studies the issues…For her, it’s not about saving the world, it’s about saving kids….She doesn’t need this. This needed her.” (Former Sec. of State Colin Powell)
–“She is an unprecedented 21st-century entity, a tabloid star with international credibility, a “soft news” icon commanding respect in a hard-news world.” (Sean Smith of Newsweek)
–“And there are people in my own profession I admire, who have done things and made substantial change, like Bono and Angelina Jolie. They are models for how you can meaningfully devote your life to causes. It’s not just lending your face. It’s giving yourself. A lot of people lack meaning in their lives, and that’s why getting active in issues like microfinance gives you such a center to your life” (Natalie Portman)
–”Now, that’s a woman with experience. She’s no wuss….She’s someone walkin’ her walk and talkin’ her talk. You get there because you take a life of experience and apply it.” (Sharon Stone)
— ”Angelina Jolie is seemingly doing an incredible job at philanthropy. I think she’s found her niche, just like I feel I’ve found mine. She’s a great ambassador.” (Jon Bon Jovi)
–”I am also inspired by what Angelina Jolie is doing by traveling to places like Cambodia to help children by actually being there and being more involved.” (Liv Tyler, talking of her UNICEF inspiration)
–”Angelina has my huge respect and I actually called her and asked her (for advice) when I was going on this trip and she was very kind. I just think that the work that she does is absolutely inspiring.” (Drew Barrymore)
–”These people don’t need additional focus or respect. I’m not that cynical at all. Angelina has given not only her time, but her money to assist people who need it most…In the past, entertainers have usually led selfish and egotistical lives so I like it when I see people like Angelina trying so hard. I think she has raised some awareness and that she has an extremely good heart.” (Mia Farrow)
–”She’s a phenomenal example to young women because she’s a successful career woman, a humanitarian and a mother too…The concept of acting in movies, being an international delegate for the UN, adopting children and being a mother is so much responsibility. I have a lot of respect for her. (Evangeline Lilly)
–“It’s important to separate people from what they do as a person and as part of an institution. Take ANGELINA JOLIE for example, she’s a successful actress but when she’s doing charity work she does it within the framework of the United Nations, as a representative for them, not as a superstar. People should appreciate these efforts.” (Danny Glover)
–“What would she have to do to prove that she’s sincere?Should she give more money? More time? It’s a black-hole debate. When people judge anyone’s sincerity, I just think, ‘Oh, yeah? What are you doing?” (Producer Dede Gardner)
–“Angie roughs it. She lives with us in the forest and eats the crickets and the cockroaches the locals eat without thinking twice about it. Whenever I read in magazines about her ‘glorious house in Cambodia,’ I think, What? It’s a shack. I don’t think people believe she has the ability to abandon everything in the West and transpose herself to a situation with malaria and dengue fever and the most extreme poverty. I read about her ‘Hollywood life.’ Well, you can’t live a Hollywood life in this part of Cambodia.” (Stephen Bognar hired by Angelina to run a conservation project in Cambodia)
–“Good for Angelina Jolie. She obviously loves all the stuff she does. I couldn’t do such a lot of charity work. I look up to people like her. I applaud Angelina ! ” (Sharon Osbourne)
– I’m talking about traveling the world and seeing different things. Possibly doing what Angelina Jolie does — to go over there and bring food.” (Hayden Panettiere )
–“Angelina Jolie is a good example of someone who really puts her time into bettering the lives of so many children. What I don’t understand is the media’s criticism (of Jolie’s) involvement in humanitarian aide and why they question her motives and sincerity. It’s like, Who cares? She’s doing a good job and putting so much of her time and money in the causes.” (Tea Leoni)
–She could be doing anything with that money, a brilliant career and so much talent, and she chooses to, in her off time, fly to places where she knows her voice is needed. She balances being a mother, a career woman and a humanitarian at the same time. That is beautiful.” (Zoe Zaldana)
– “(ANGELINA) seems to be someone who spends a lot of time thinking about pretty substantial things. But there’s such a loss of critical thinking in this country. She’s giving an enormous amount of money – and yet there is still interest in the really superficial.” (Sarah Jessica Parker)
CJ
Oct 25, 2008 at 7:00 am
I am so happy the Afghan People have someone like Angelina to support them…
I was horrified when I went to the country in 79 after the Russians took over…This country deserves all the $ we are sending to Iraq for War to exist. Please God make things better for all the World but especially for the survivors of the past 30 years…America should have been involved a long time ago…We need to help this country…Kabul was so beautiful even after the massacre of 30000 people while they prayed one Friday afternoon by The Russians….The people were proud and gracious. God Bless Angelina Jolie and her family.
helix
Oct 25, 2008 at 7:37 am
it’s horrble scene in this video she is heatly feel their proverty
Mary Ann
Oct 25, 2008 at 8:34 am
Stephen Bognar talks about “Hollywood Life”. What defines Hollywood Life?” From where I am sitting I see it as these same celebrities who are out there day after day and night after night doing nothing but having fun (?) drinking and hanging out. They will do anything to get attention. I can not recall anytime I have seen Brad or Angelina doing that. In fact we only see them when they are promoting a movie, having a quiet dinner with friends or doing their charity work.
dhc
Oct 25, 2008 at 9:03 am
Thank you Neer! I don’t know how or how long it took you to collect those quotes, but I appreciate you posting them. Let’s focus on the positive! Let’s not let freedom of speech excuse rude destructive comments about others! Let’s applaud anyone who gets involved to help others and take it upon ourselves to do the same in some small way at least!
neer
Oct 26, 2008 at 1:31 am
The kind of RESPECT and ADMIRATION Angie is getting from all walks of life transcends her being a celebrity. It is on a higher level as she earned it by her good deeds and true talent. She is respected & admired not because of the many titles attached to her name but more on her being the true person, the Angelina Jolie they see and observe. That name will forever be remembered with much admiration & respect from one generation to another. And this is unprecedented. Most people see Angelina Jolie more than box office receipts and critical acclaim of her movies. She has already passed that stage. She is already on a different, higher pedestal which is more lasting.
JENifer
Oct 26, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Love Jolie so much for the good thing she did for the for the refugees.May god bless Brad , Jolie and her family
joliepittfanatic
Oct 28, 2008 at 11:58 pm
I also wondered about the breastfeeding thing when I saw this post. I know that, as of her recent interviews in New York, she was still breastfeeding, as she discussed it in some of the interviews.
Also, she appears to have breastfeed Shiloh for at least a year, going by comments she made around June of last year about why she was so skinny at the time. I’d be shocked if she stopped with the twins so early.
I think it’s very likely that she is pumping, as she even alluded to that fact herself in an interview just before Knox and Viv were born (she was talking about how the older kids can help with the twins, and mentioned that they can give them a bottle if she pumps).
The only thing that’s confusing me…Wouldn’t she be horribly engorged after two days of not breastfeeding (obviously her “girls” aren’t going to stop producing milk just because she took a nursing hiatus for two days!)?
Sherry
Oct 29, 2008 at 7:06 am
joliepittfanatic - If she’s pumping the milk she won’t be engorged as long as she does it more or less as often as the babies would be feeding.
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