Angelina Jolie published an article in the Washington Post on Thursday February 28, 2008 making a case for increased assistance for refugees in countries surrounding Iraq. While she makes a case for funding and assistance for return, the wider question is about responsibility [burden] sharing, as resettlement quotas in the US have never been met.
Her article also brings to light the impact of celebrities focusing attention on humanitarian issues. We have seen George Clooney be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize over his advocacy of the humanitarian issues in Darfur, Angelina Jolie's (and also Madonna) numerous trips (and adoptions) to bring attention to humanitarian issues as well as numerous other celebrities "adopting" a cause. On one hand, their efforts bring more attention to the issues on a mainstream level. On the other hand, many critique their involvement as another way to garner more attention. While I am reluctant to judge the motivations of peoples' "do goodings," it is important to promote accurate information and ensure that no harm is done in the process.
Question: Anyone find something wrong with Angelina's article?
Answer: She should have used the term "refugee" accurately, as "refugees inside their own country" are internally displaced people (IDPs) and there is a strong legal distinction between the two categories of people. As Goodwill Ambassador to the UNHCR, she should know this.
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