Movie star Angelina Jolie pays visit to refugee camps in Ingushetia Timur Aliyev, North Caucasus – An unusual event took place on August 22 in Ingushetia. The Bella refugee camp was visited by a UN delegation with famous American movie star Angelina Jolie.
“Ms Jolie came here in order to learn about situations in tent camps,” said Aslanbek Dakhkilgov, head of the UNHCR's office in Ingushetia.
She stopped by several tents that housed the refugees, and in one the head of the family told her about his problem. “Eight children, aged between 8 and 14, all need food and clothing, which is why I spend many days waiting at the job fair to earn at least some money,” he explained.
Another site visited by her was the neighbouring Sputnik camp. A children’s dance ensemble Marsho (see Prague Watchdog's feature on Marsho), which was established there two years ago, performed several national dances for her.
Jolie was strongly impressed by their performance and promised to give every young dancer an autographed photo. “Your ensemble gives hope to these children,” she told Vakha Temirkhanov, head of the Marsho ensemble. “I wish the whole world could see your dances,” she added.
Refugees who gathered around the tent commented on all this in their own fashion. “Why did you bring her here and then not let us talk to her, to tell her about our problems?” the women shouted at the numerous security guards protecting the tent.
Finally, outside on the street, Jolie did listen to several of the camp people. “They killed my parents.” and “My brother died during an air raid.” were some of the remarks made by the women, all of whom were talking simultaneously. As the actress took notes, she nodded her head in sympathy.
“This Hollywood movie star’s visit is unofficial; she’s here as an UNHCR goodwill ambassador,” explained Dakhkilgov.
During her two years as UNHCR’s ambassador, Angelina Jolie has visited several similar refugee camps in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Cambodia and Pakistan. (H/E,T) RELATED ARTICLES:
· UNHCR's coverage of Jolie's work as goodwill ambassador
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