On Wednesday and Thursday last week, Angelina Jolie quietly visited Afghanistan to witness the repercussions of the returning refugees to the country. Jolie spent Wednesday in the Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan where more than 850,000 refugees have returned since the Taliban was removed in 2001. The massive return of people to the area has caused a great strain on the local resources and jobs are scarce. The people there are living in poorly constructed shelters and shabby tents, without education for their children or health services for anyone. Thursday Jolie visited Kabul where the influx of returnees has tripled the city’s population and overwhelmed it’s infrastructure. The poverty in the city in rampant and housing is inadequate, often non-existent as evidenced by the rise in homelessness.
Jolie’s two-day trip comes ahead of an international conference on return and reintegration to be held in Kabul next month. Co-hosted by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNHCR, the event will bring government ministries and donors together to see how the country’s absorption capacity can best be strengthened to support further repatriation.
The award-winning American actress is familiar with UNHCR’s Afghan operation, having twice visited Pakistan in recent years to see Afghan refugees there. But the visit on Wednesday and Thursday was her first to Afghanistan to see the reintegration challenges inside the country.
“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,” Jolie said after visiting a number of sites.
Angelina has released a video appeal for increased support of the refugees and the overtaxed land. Her video is moving and delivers important information about the situation. Jolie is villified for her personal life, but this appeal is about the people of Afghanistan and the awful conditions they’re living in. Angelina is moved to tears by the anguish of an old man in Nangarhar, attentively comforts a sick child and is clearly concerned for a mother and her three young children. It means something to these people that this woman they don’t know cares for them enough to spend time with them and listen to their needs.
I implore you to look beyond the arguments of the personal life of a movie star and see the good that can be brought about by her participation in an effort to improve the lives of people left traumatized by war and politics. Maintain your personal opinion, but don’t discount the impact the work she is doing to make life better for the people of a war torn country trying to return and rebuild. It doesn’t matter to them who she is, it just matters that she’s there.
Thanks to daisy424 for suggesting the story and sending in a link to the support appeal video.
Note by Celebitchy: try to watch the video below and not cry.
I bet she couldn’t wait to get back to her French Chalet, score of nannies and cooks, and housekeepers….
Yep.This isnt charity.She should try and work there for a week and see how things realy are for charity workers.Sorry but iam so fed up with her lately.She and her travels in the best hotels and 25 cars and 40 bodyguards an estates with 80 rooms and so on.Please. 😯
With a minimum of make up, and with lines of concern and compassion etched across her face, Angelina has never looked more beautiful.
Ceilidh, do you have information about where financial contributions can be sent to assist these refugees?
http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home
There is information at the UNHCR website for giving.
Thank you for asking, tigerlille.
Thanks for this, Ceilidh and Daisy. It is dreadful and heartbreaking and made even more poignant by the quiet dignity of the refugees. The more I read of AJ’s efforts to continue to shine a light on this and equally grim situations in other countries, the more I like and admire the person she’s become.
I find it absolutely hilarious…I actually grin…when people slam this woman with crap like, “I bet she couldn’t wait to get back to her French Chalet.”
When was the last time you looked the impoverished, terminally ill, or war-ravaged…in the face and sat to talk with them…giving your time, money, and energy to finding ways to help?
Shut up. Seriously.
This really breaks my heart. Forget Angelina Jolie (at least she is BRINGING awareness to these issues). We have serious problems with these refugees and coming from a 3rd world country, it really hits home. Thanks ceilidh for UNHCR info, will check the site.
Where, exactly, were Angelina’s four month old twins she is breastfeeding during this trip? Did she take them to Afghanistan? Did she leave them with caregivers so she could do her charity?
I can’t take her seriously..
Don’t take AJ seriously, take the suffering of those children seriously instead. Not everything revolves around our pet perceptions of celebrities.
I’m itching to respond to that Q about the whereabouts of the twins (obviously the most important part of this story) but I’m going to restrain myself since it would just undermine and demean the subject matter here.
She runs off with some body’s husband and even admits and boast about it. Forgive me for not getting blown away by her ‘kindness’. She is not agin well. Her make up artist must be good because with minimum make up, she looks almost ugly. Actually, she does not look pretty at all.
Good for her to bring awareness. I just wish she was not doing it for PR solely. I don’t think she has any kind bone in her body. She would not know kindness if it hit her.
America has some EXTREMELY poverty stricken areas. I wish more celebrities would start focusing on the people closer to home who need helpt too.
She is a compassionate woman, gives her time to raise world awareness and she still gets slammed by jealous people.
Grow up. 🙄
As far as the whereabouts of her twins, I’m sure her children are with their father, at home.
Love the icon Ceilidh 😉
😥
omg will u ppl stop? atleast shes trying! and cant u see that she IS trying to help them? ur just being prejudiced in ur views by talking abt her hotels, her bodyguards… have YOU been to afghanistan to help these poor people?
its just so sad how the poor can be so easily IGNORED like they dont even exist on the same PLANET.
well, these posts show that´s far easier to bash random people than face the truth. the tuth is, that thre are people suffering, dying, being raped…children armies, hunger, landmines and so on. and you sit in your comfy chairs, eat your chips and drink soda while spitting your bitterness about a woman you don´t know. but THAT woman does something you could never fathom for yourself. you are too lazy, too HAPPY, you live in a bubble you don´t want to leave. you attack everyone you think threatens that bubble. because then the truth will hit you and you´ll feel guilty and overwhelmed by all the tragedies in the world YOU don´t pay attention to!. go on and protect yourself by closing your eyes, by hating everyone who brings the uncomfortable truth to your homes and hearts. it´s pathetic, really.
The people who bitch and moan about her not being able to wait to get back to her villa blah blah are oftentimes the very same type of people who step over a homeless person like a wad of gum on the sidewalk and tell them to get a job.
Whatever one may think about her methods, her private life, her character or whatever, she is bringing awareness and a personal touch to these issues. She is trying to contribute something, precisely too in part because of her fortunate status in life, and that should be respected.
I think in her case that the saying “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” is entirely appropriate.
Nora: She runs off with some body’s husband and even admits and boast about it.
👿 IT’S BEEN THREE YEARS NOW AND IT WASN’T YOUR OWN F*C*ING HUSBAND, SO PLEASE KINDLY AND FOR THE LAST G*DD*MN TIME-
GTF OVER IT !!!! 👿
Several years ago I watched a documentary about Doctors Without Borders and their efforts within the Pakistan/Afgan border. What I came away with is not only the tremendous tragedy that has surrounded these refugees, and continues to surround them, but the need to acknowledge their survival and struggles.
That means through *more* media coverage, *more* donations to UNHCR, Doctors Without Borders, and Save the Children, and more respect given to people who put their asses on the line to travel to these areas.
People who whine, complain and disrespect Angelina’s humanitarian actions are so pathetic, I don’t even have the words. 🙁
Ceilidh,
Thank you for posting this story. It is so heartbreaking when watching the video, to see, as Angie narrates, the quiet dignity of the Afghan people. I cannot imagine living in those conditions, year after year, and with no end in sight. They are especially concerned because winter is fast approaching. I hope that this will somehow shed some light on the situation, and the UNCHR will be able to do something, anything.
Mean spirited little people cannot understand generous large hearted people. Someone ever hear of noblesse oblige? It doesn’t matter how badly she wanted to get home, in fact it makes going there even more special, if in fact it’s true.
Should read UNHCR.
Kaiser, I am ignoring the people who choose to be negative. Like you said, they are pathetic.
If you can’t read this without slamming her for her efforts, then STFU and GO TO ANOTHER POST where you won’t be offended by THE FRICKING HUSBAND STEALER. Honestly, hell will freeze over and you’ll still be whining about her bloody husband stealing.
I was just telling my mother the other day about how much I admire the person AJ has become. Yes, she was wild and crazy when she was younger, but I think that’s a stage a lot of people in her situation go through. I have nothing but respect for who she is now. How can anyone doubt her love and commitment to her cause? The woman obviously has a heart the of Texas. So she has loads of money, who cares! It allows her to devote her time (and a good deal of that money) to her own personal crusade.
It makes me so angry that someone could read that story and then think the best use of their time and energy is to malign the character of someone who gives of herself to relieve a stranger’s suffering. Maybe you need to worry a little more about your own character because obviously, there are some flaws.
God, you guys are missing the boat on this…the point is that she has a high profile, so even is she is just there and has a video clip out, she draws attention to these people in a way that the average person never could. Doesn’t that have any merit, or would you “haters” just prefer that she stay home in her “challet” and that these people get no attention, and therefore no help at all? Ugh!!! Get over your hating! She’s a great person!
Good on her for raising awareness… I just find it curious that she tends to really focus on refuge work as she’s campaigning for Oscar… not to mention the Changeling is getting less than stellar reviews.
Just my two cents
“Jolie’s two-day trip comes ahead of an international conference on return and reintegration to be held in Kabul next month.”
@Anna – In this case, the ideal time to focus attention on the plight of these people is when a major intl. conf. to discuss the most pressing issues concerning them (return & reintegration) is about to take place. Since AJ is not responsible for setting the conference date, find the suggestion that she might have some ulterior motive here really unwarranted.
Finally some posters who aren’t Angie blasters! As many have said, the focus here is on these people and their situation, not Angie & her perceived faults. Elisha: Ang & Brad do focus on areas in America – look at what they’ve done and are doing in New Orleans’ 9th Ward. Duh.
I’m sure most of you bashers know the bible ’cause you’re just that self-righteous: Let he (or she) who is without sin cast the first stone”. Let me translate for you in case even that is over your head: if you are perfect then you can comment on someone’s life and behaviour; if not, then SHUT UP! Exactly what are all of you doing for the poor and needy either here or abroad?
The whole point of this post is to inform people of what is going on with the refugees not about how jealous you should be of Angelina Jolie. At least she is using her celebrity status to get media access for support to these causes.
Who gives a damn what she did in the past, never judge someone else (especially when most of you probably have baskets and baskets worth of dirty laundry to air)
Petty people make petty comments.
She makes this trip when her movie just got released and flopped at the BO any way.
People blast her because of the pretender she is. It is a worthy cause but her presence will not change anything. It rarely does. I would much rather praise those who go there every day and make sacrifices on the ground. Celebitchy, post one such person every week. They are all over the net. There is a UK woman who just lost her life. Did you post her? I am in awe of such a woman. Not AJ who does all this to get air time for her movies.
how many celebrities do this? pretty much zip. i applaud Angelina… she is a courageous woman with a big heart.
31 her movie didn’t bomb. It was released in 15 screens and did really well. It goes wide next week. 🙂
Btw, she’s been doing this for the last 7 or 8 years now. 🙂
“Yourself” – Unfortunately, you negated your positive message of seeing the greatness of average, non-famous people by posting the same old bullshit lies on a friggin’ celebrity site.
The Changeling made more than $5 million this weekend in America. On only 15 screens. It was the biggest per screen average of any film in release this week.
Peddle lies somewhere else, haters.
Baholicious:
October 27th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
I think in her case that the saying “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” is entirely appropriate.
I agree 100% AND I know from reading your comments in the past that you’re not the biggest Angelina supporter 😉 so your comment is just that much more objective & true in my eyes. If she’s on a humanitarian mission she’s phony, only trying to drum up support for a movie, and is ignoring her kids. If she stays home she’s not doing anything for her humanitarian causes. Like you say, CANNOT win for tryin’. 🙄
Suck it, haters.
You know, I have been watching her with interest for 5 or so years, waiting for her to drop the act, but she hasn’t.
I think she is a marvelous person. Never mind the family she’s building, forget that, we all have our hidden “micheal jackson”. Never mind she comes with a parade of cars, (if she does) it frankly makes me nervous when these people go to war zones, if someone gets killed, it’s more of a mess, and we have enough of one the way it is, so bully for her if she is bringing her own security, thanks, Angie! If this is an act, and I do not think it is, but if this is an act, she pouring her whole being into it. She has drawn attention to atrocities around our globe. She has caused us to think globally. You go Angelina!!! Now, on to the link, I’m going to see it they will except the terribly small amount I can afford to send.
“I bet she couldn’t wait to get back to her French Chalet, score of nannies and cooks, and housekeepers….”
“Yep. This isn’t charity … She and her travels in the best hotels and 25 cars and 40 bodyguards an estates with 80 rooms and so on.Please.”
Disgusting. When was the last time YOU looked into the face of a war orphan or a lifelong refugee? You can’t question her heart so instead persecute her for her success… I am ashamed by the teeming levels of jealously on this board. She is attempting to bring a real human crisis to light but you can’t see past the green haze that clouds your vision long enough to cease your petty, mouth-frothing resent of everything you know you can never be.
Keep doing your thing, Angelina. And we know you will.
“I bet she couldn’t wait to get back to her French Chalet, score of nannies and cooks, and housekeepers…. ”
I bet she couldn’t! Just like I can’t wait to get home every day after work, if not just to take a hot shower and sleep.
So, as I see it, I go to work day after day because I need to. She goes to Afghanistan because she wants to.
Advantage: Angelina.
Regardless of whether she travels in style or not, her work is fantastic even if all it does is bring attention to the needs of those who are suffering. At least she is using her publicity for good, even if her direct contribution weren’t excellent.
At least AJ is actually ‘out in the field’ giving real time and money to the causes she believes in as opposed to going to some charity event, getting ‘gussied up’ to walk the red carpet to be photographed so as can be seen to be doing some ‘charity work’. Or appearing in some crap tv telethon thing for cancer or whatever is the latest trendy charity case/cause for celebs these days.
I may not be a huge fan of AJ/BP but I certainly have more respect for her than other vapid, shallow celebs such as Paris, the Jessica’s and the Jennifers etc of Hollywood.
So true Buttercup!
Wow. Some of you are just absolutely AWFUL people. You take a person who is trying to bring awareness of a horrible problem to the world and all you can do is tear it down? Tear her down?
As CB said in the opening post, you could at least try to see past the superficial and look at the people she’s trying to bring attention to.
Good Lord, people are starving to death, dying of exposure in the very area she’s visiting and all some of you can do is be nasty. Well, good for you.
As for me, I’m making a donation. It’ll be in the spirit of stopping hate.
I think it is much more important that Angelina would actually give money or actually work there, instead of visit for a couple of hours with a camera.
These people need money and help. Not a video.
Angelina has lots of money and time on her hands. Much more free time than most of us.
So, if she really cares- why don’t she actually DO something, without the cameras and the PR and the coinciding release of her latest movie…
Is it that easy to spew hatred and find fault with a woman who has given time and money again and again to worthy causes? Angie was a Goodwill Ambassador before she met Brad and adopted Maddox before she met Brad but still the haters persist in saying that she’s having kids/adopting for PR or doing charity for PR reasons all so we can forget about the ZOMG husband-stealing. It’s mind boggling that this is still an issue to some people after three facking years, long after all parties involved have moved on. But you know what AJ doesn’t need me to defend her because the haters don’t matter. What matters are those refugees who need all of the help and support they can get.
I love the irony of the brangaloonies attacking anyone who dares Question AJ’s motives. Just because people question her motives DOES NOT mean they hate her, or are attacking her, it means they are trying to use reason and logic instead of just blind adoration.
When does she find time to sleep? That’s what I want to know….
Wow – Afghanistan
Wow – Afghans
and what the blazes am I doing on a blog when I could be saving the world too.
She doesn’t have to do it (charity), she does. It matters nought what her personal motives are. Her achievement in highlighting the issue is the bigger picture. Those who profess to be using ‘reason and logic’ to focus on her motives are simply trying to find fault with the individual. Now THAT is ironic.
Angelina Jolie is in an extremely privileged position in every way. She is extremely privileged that she was born (with a little later help from the plastic surgeon’s knife) to be good-looking enough to gain a highly desirable career in Hollywood without a massive amount of discernable talent. She is extremely privileged to earn millions of dollars in a matter of months, more than most people in the world could dream of earning in their lifetime. She is very privileged to earn so much money with so little hard work and to be able to afford to hire a team of nannies that she can go out and do the things that many of us would love to have the wealth and freedom to do: i.e. try to improve the suffering of people in war-torn, poverty-stricken countries. Unfortunately the fact that we don’t have this extremely fortunate, extremely privileged lifestyle means that we can’t do so. Yes Angelina Jolie is a better human being than say JLo or Victoria Beckham, but she is not a saint. She is able to make these grand gestures because of her extremely privileged life. If she was living like Mother Theresa, having nothing for herself and doing everything for the needy then I would applaud her, but the reality is she has no intention of compromising her life of extreme exravagance and luxury. She is no more to be applauded than the average person making donations to charity or working for voluntary organisations. When you have grand means you can do grand things. When you have modest means you do modest ones. The problem for me with Ange is she seems far too in love with her own image, like she’s trying to become the new Lady Di or something. I applaud her intentions but I’m not convinced she is any more worthy of plaudits than the average concerned, socially aware person.
Angelina Jolie is one of the famous woman that visit Afghanistan.i like Angelina Jolie so much,because she is a perfect actor.i,m very happy that she comes to our country and realize the poor people.God will give regard to her.Aziz From Afghanistan.
big applause for the great-minded ones who see things and wisdom beyond personalities. we all have our skeletons in our closet so to criticize other people is such a big shame and such a big slap on our face because we might be carrying more skeletons and more dreaded ones than her. what she has been truly has brought awareness to us like i myself haven’t witness personally heart-breaking events like this. so for those who stupidly asked why she has to do this with cameras, hello? the very purpose of her actions are to bring awareness to the world and solicit support so how can you do it if theres no way of publishing it and showing it to the world. leave your stupidity in your poopooo room..ok?
Is Angie’s LV Cabbas Mezzo hidden under her birka?