In a poignant display of commitment to the refugee crisis, UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie addressed the media in a press conference held on June 8, 2019, after her visit to a refugee camp on the border between Colombia and Venezuela in Maicao, Colombia.
The Hollywood actress turned humanitarian has long been associated with her role as a Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Her visit to the Colombia-Venezuela border aimed to shine a spotlight on the dire conditions faced by those displaced by the political and economic turmoil in Venezuela.
The press conference, held against the backdrop of the sprawling refugee camp, became a platform for Angelina Jolie to convey the urgency of the situation and to advocate for increased international support for the affected populations. Here are some key highlights from her compelling speech:
Angelina Jolie opened her speech by acknowledging the severity of the humanitarian crisis affecting millions in Venezuela. She emphasized the need for a collective response to address the challenges faced by those forced to flee their homes.
Having personally visited the refugee camp, Jolie vividly described the challenging conditions faced by families living there. She detailed the lack of basic necessities, overcrowded living spaces, and the strain on resources in the face of a growing number of displaced individuals.
The Special Envoy passionately appealed to the international community for increased solidarity and collaboration to alleviate the suffering of the refugees. She stressed the importance of a unified effort in providing both immediate relief and long-term solutions.
Jolie acknowledged the generosity of host communities in countries like Colombia that have opened their doors to those seeking refuge. She emphasized the need for international assistance to support these communities as they bear the weight of the crisis.
The actress, known for her advocacy work on behalf of women and children, highlighted the vulnerability of these groups in the midst of a complex crisis. She called for targeted efforts to ensure the protection and well-being of women and children affected by displacement.
Angelina Jolie commended the efforts of UNHCR and its partners in responding to the crisis but emphasized the continuous need for increased resources and support to effectively address the magnitude of the situation.
As the press conference concluded, Angelina Jolie left a powerful impact, not only through her celebrity status but, more importantly, through her unwavering dedication to giving a voice to the voiceless. Her visit to the Colombia-Venezuela border and the subsequent press conference served as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by refugees and the crucial role of global solidarity in shaping a more compassionate world.
