UNHCR people
With a Little Help from Our Friends
The UN refugee agency is lucky to be able to call on a small group of VIP friends who have reached the top in their chosen professions and who use their influence and popularity to help spread awareness about UNHCR's work, raise funds for its operations and lobby governments. They complement the work of UNHCR's most valuable asset - our national and international staff around the world.
UNHCR's high-profile supporters are relatively few in number compared to some other major humanitarian organizations and they come from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds. But they share a singular determination to help the world's displaced and to help raise world awareness about the suffering and needs of the vulnerable.
They include royalty, musicians, actors of stage and screen, authors, sports stars, academics, style icons, photographers, aid workers and students. Some are former refugees, while others have come from privileged backgrounds but felt a calling to help others in need.
They range from International Goodwill Ambassadors Angelina Jolie and Adel Imam to National Goodwill Envoy Khaled Hosseini and valuable supporters like basketball star Luol Deng, photographer Zalmaï and lighting artist Gerry Hofstetter.
They help in various ways to promote the work of UNHCR, raise funds and spread awareness about the world's millions of displaced people. Some give free concerts, others use their influence to lobby governments, while many go into the field to shine a bright light on the suffering of refugees and internally displaced people and to let them know that people care. Without them, UNHCR would have a much harder job.
Angelina Jolie
Since early 2001, renowned American actress Angelina Jolie has travelled the world with UNHCR to help refugees. She has worked with field staff and met with refugees in over 20 countries.
Angelina Jolie Fact Sheet
An unflagging determination to help the displaced, publicize their plight and lobby for assistance. Read More ...
Angelina Jolie Biography
A stellar career on the silver screen. Read More ...
Angelina Jolie's Journals & Books
Read more about Jolie's personal impressions and reflections during her field missions as Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR. Download
