OlderAngelina Jolie in Chad
During a visit to the Oure-Cassoni camp in eastern Chad, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie listens to refugee women from the Darfur region in Sudan. CLICK HERE to find out why Angelina Jolie is visiting this camp!
UPDATE :: Read Angelina Jolie’s article about “Justice for Darfur.” The first line reads, “Here, at this refugee camp on the border of Sudan, nothing separates us from Darfur but a small stretch of desert and a line on a map.”
Angelina Jolie visits camp in Chad to assess situation for Darfur refugees
By Matthew Conway in Bahai, Chad
BAHAI, Chad, February 27 (UNHCR) – UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie on Tuesday completed a two-day mission to a refugee camp in eastern Chad which enabled her to assess how the security situation has deteriorated for Sudanese refugees since her last visit to Chad three years ago.
Jolie, who visited both Chad and neighbouring Sudan’s Darfur region with UNHCR in 2004, said she was struck by the sense of hope she encountered at the Oure-Cassoni camp near this town and by the widespread desire for peace-keepers to be deployed in Chad.
She also reflected on the hardship and suffering she had seen at the camp, which is located less than five kilometres from the border with Sudan. “It’s always hard to see decent people, families, living in such difficult conditions,” she said. “What is most upsetting is how long it is taking the international community to answer this crisis,” Jolie added.
The award-winning actress had to travel through a sandstorm on Monday to reach the Oure-Cassoni camp, which with a refugee population of more than 26,000 is the northernmost of 12 UNHCR-run camps in eastern Chad housing more than 230,000 refugees from Sudan’s troubled Darfur region.
She was greeted at one of the camp’s many primary schools by singing children as the desert wind whipped against the plastic sheeting serving as the structure’s roof and walls. The encroaching sands and storms make their hard life even tougher, with many of the tents and mud-brick houses partially or completely buried. Wood for cooking and heat is scarce in the region, and competition for the resource causes friction between the refugee and local populations.
Refugee women are sometimes sexually and physically abused while out collecting the precious scraps of firewood beyond the protection of police provided by the Chadian government to help ensure refugee security.
At the school, Jolie listened to children’s tales of daily life, their concerns and their hopes of one day returning to their homes in Darfur. The room was filled with laughter as she and the children took turns drawing for each other. She later visited mentally ill refugees.
On Tuesday, Jolie visited a man-made reservoir that feeds the camp with water, but which is now almost empty following disappointing rains last year. Its shrinking reserves are a matter of concern for the refugees and UNHCR.
She then sat down with a group of women and discussed their desire for access to income-generating activities as well as their longing to return home. But the women, who were preparing celebrations for International Women’s Day on March 8, said it was still not safe enough across the border and many of the refugees she spoke to supported calls for a peace-keeping force in Chad.
In a report last week to the United Nations Security Council, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon proposed sending a multi-dimensional peace-keeping mission to Chad to protect civilians and deter cross-border attacks.
The refugees Jolie talked to also drew comfort from recent radio reports saying that the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) had told the Security Council it had credible evidence of grave crimes against humanity committed in Darfur.
“Today, many refugees seemed to have a new sense of hope, and they want to see those guilty brought to trial . . . In order to feel safe enough to return home, these people said they would need to know that the men who attacked them had been stripped of their weapons,” Jolie said. “This is a very important day for international justice. The decisions of the ICC could make a big difference in the lives of these women and their children.”
Jolie had high praise for the UNHCR staff and NGO workers that she met in the camp. “Years into this situation, now finding themselves coming under attack, humanitarian workers’ spirits are unbroken,” she said.
There are more than 230,000 refugees from Sudan in eastern Chad, while some 46,000 refugees from the Central African Republic have found shelter in southern Chad. In addition to these refugees, close to 120,000 Chadians are displaced in the eastern region of their own country.
Share This Post:
617 Comments
Funny that the publication said that the girls are with their nanny, in the pic of them with their grandmother Jane.
Anywho, it is just good to be back with the intelligent bloggers her on JJ. I went over to Perez, and all I read ws hate and ignorance. I usually don’t go over there, I just went because I read there were some pics of Zee and Shi.
174
bermy girl Says:
February 27th, 2007 at 11:08 pm - flag comment
What else is being served at the party? Just bevs and cheese? I’m hungry, but guessing food is being saved for the big blowout.
I was a lurker for all the other parties, the biggest of which I remember was Brad Liberation Day.
********************************************************
You are right!!! Thanks for your memory - It was Brad Liberation Day when we had our last big cyberparty. A great celebration for a great reason!
OT - Where do you think they will live once Benj Buttons is done filming? NOLA, perhaps? Or Washington DC? I hope they stay the heck out of LA so they can enjoy a more normal existence.
170
Izzie Says:
——————–
Stay for just a little bit longer! I orginally had Wed off but everyone is out sick with something so I have to go in, but it’s Shi’s practice Bday party. So I’ll hang out for a bit! I’ll even pull out the Pinot again and have another glass. Are you game?
166
whatever Says:
February 27th, 2007 at 11:03 pm - flag comment
Whatever she’s there for a few hours and then back to her fancy hotel.
What is the UN doing to stop the war?
====================================================
What are you doing to stop the war? Do you or have you serve your country? So you work for the peace corp, the UN or anything else?
I think it’s best you put that stone down…….he without sin cast the first stone and I don’t you are anyone else (to include myself) are in a place cast one!
Izzie - I know what you mean about this site being addictive. Work demands have made it hard for me to get on lately and I was getting withdrawal symptoms. It’s 12.15 here right now and I want to read my novel. I keep saying novel, JJ, novel,JJ…
I just love this site and the people who blog here!
[img]http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/4530/1777/1600/324212/bab2.jpg[/img]
Marla Says:
January 2nd, 2007 at 12:12 am
This is meant in general, not to any one particular person here:
One person cannot save the world. Things must be narrowed down. You cannot keep looking at what your neighbor does. Remember Michael Jackson’s song, “Man in the Mirror?” He’s saying that each person must look at himself and say, “What can I do?” Then do it.
To be honest, I get highly irritated when other people try to tell someone else how to spend his or her money. Everybody has an opinion. When someone is giving to charity, what right do you have to tell that person, “I think your charity sucks” or you shouldn’t spend your money there, you should be spending it here?” What if you had that money? I guarantee that you would not appreciate it one bit. It’s your money and you should spend it or donate it as you see fit.
That’s similar to people telling Brad and Angelina, “Don’t adopt in those third-world countries because there are plenty of of kids that need to be adopted in America.” I just cringe when people do that. What’s it to you?
As far as I’m concerned, people are too doggone nosy and opinionated. When it comes to helping someone else in need, how can that be wrong? It’s all helpful in some way, because it’s at least “something.”
Education is still the key to a better future for most people.
When Mom is away—-
Sooooo cute, AJ’s Babies!
http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/4530/1777/1600/324212/bab2.jpg
http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/4530/1777/1600/380676/bab1.jpg
176
Dirty Denise Says:
February 27th, 2007 at 11:12 pm - flag comment
Funny that the publication said that the girls are with their nanny, in the pic of them with their grandmother Jane.
Anywho, it is just good to be back with the intelligent bloggers her on JJ. I went over to Perez, and all I read ws hate and ignorance. I usually don’t go over there, I just went because I read there were some pics of Zee and Shi.
***********************************************************
Hey there, with two glasses of Pinot under my belt, I went there too tonite. Can you believe how bigoted and idiotic people there sound? Did you notice that one post from “edumacated’? He’s been there for a long time, fighting the fight. I should invite him over here.
I had said the same thing you did, that it feels good to come back home with the bloggers with some intelligence, wit, rational thoughts, facts and passion to defend the JP’s.
That is why I call it the Evil Sea of Perez! Glad we’re back here…
I love the way Shiloh is looking up at her grandma from the stroller.
Susie, what number is my post that showed up with yours? Jared are you having fun with the women who are drinking wine tonight? LOL
Thanks Jared, for the new thread about Angie’s UNHRC visit to Chad. She is totally AWESOME! INSPIRING! So proud to be her fan.
BTW, what’s the occasion for the party?
Dirty Denise…girl you got guts posting at Perez Hilton. Most posters there are lunatics & paid trolls by Huvanistons. Remember…Huvane & Co. & maybe Anuston herself read the posts there. I am sure the X friends are posting there too.
Guli- oh yes, the shoe battle. My kids still don’t always wear their shoes, we go barefoot alot. It is so annoying thoughwhen they need them and for some reason it is a pain in the a– to get them on them and as soon as they are in the carseat (not a Britney either) they rip them off. Thank go for velcro and Uggs.
Lucy- I do believe Bill & Melinda Gates gave a couple of billion to their fund for helping with vaccinations,aids,water, micro loans, etc. with most of it being directed towards Africa, and lets not forget Warren Buffett who donated almost his entire fortune in conjunction with the Gates fund.
Izzie- Drunk blogging is probably safer than drunk dialing which I have been guilty of in my life. :lol:
bermy girl- I never heard of Brad Liberation day before, I like it. LMAO
166
whatever Says:
February 27th, 2007
Whatever she’s there for a few hours and then back to her fancy hotel.
________________
I dont understand your logic.
Just because one cares about issues like poverty and refugees doesnt mean one has to live as though they’re in similar economic circumstances . get this into your head.
181
umm…maybe my passion fruit smoothie has gone to my head. I should have said I love the BAMZS fans who post here!
Speaking of which - guli, you still here? I think of you as my jj elder since you were responsible for me de-lurking. How are you doing?
Izzie - I hope they remain in NO. I love that city. But really anywhere but LA because there’s far too much scrutiny there.
Shout out to guli! How are you? Glad to see that you’re hosting this mini-party — count me and my strawberry smoothie in (in between real work, of course!)
184
Izzie Says:
February 27th, 2007 at 11:18 pm - flag comment
———————–
I’ve seen edumacated’s post there I think he would love it here! There are 2 ladies at FF, don’t all groan at once. When your in a really foul mood having them run in circles is almost as good as kick boxing! There are two posters there who are pretty much on their own. I think they’ve been here. Very intelligent woman, and they know their facts.
One more pic http://images.eonline.com/eol_images/The_Hum/20070226/293.shiloh.zahara.022707.jpg
Is Brad’s mom wearing a foot brace?
178
Sheri Says:
February 27th, 2007 at 11:13 pm - flag comment
170
Izzie Says:
——————–
Stay for just a little bit longer! I orginally had Wed off but everyone is out sick with something so I have to go in, but it’s Shi’s practice Bday party. So I’ll hang out for a bit! I’ll even pull out the Pinot again and have another glass. Are you game?
________________________________
Sheri - I would love to, but have to leave at 11:30 - we have an inspection from the Feds and the State in the morning and I have to appear to be clear headed to be ready for a “record inspection”. I work at a hospital and we need to pass this inspection in order to keep our doors open. Sounds dramatic, but someone complained that we restrained a patient without cause and knew the agencies to contact, hence the Feds and State visit.
I’ll be on tomorrow from work after my part of the inspection is over. We got plans to make for our upcoming parties… Enjoy your evening. It was fun tonight, despite the low turnout…much more intimate.
Good night to my partying buds….
I admire you more & more Angelina & the pics of Z & Shi is so adorable. Glad to see Grandma Jane Pitt is helping all along.
195
bluemoon Says:
February 27th, 2007 at 11:28 pm - flag comment -
—————————–
Good eye!! Looks like she has on a walking cast support thingy. How’s that for technical!
Izzie- it is so hard to get off line sometimes, this site is really addicting.
_______________________________________
175
Sheri Says:
February 27th, 2007 at 11:09 pm - flag comment
#
166
whatever Says:
February 27th, 2007 at 11:03 pm - flag comment
Whatever she’s there for a few hours and then back to her fancy hotel.
What is the UN doing to stop the war?
————————————————-
ok then you go and stay in the camp! Oh, since you know so much what hotel is she staying in? Have you been there? Not alot of choices of 5 stars in the area!
***************************************
Pretty sure AJ stays in the same camps or areas of the people she’s visiting. One other UN person said she is the easiest and least fussy person to work with. She takes one little bag and sleeps on the ground too. Also, did they put a new Ritz hotel up in Darfur? Strange I haven’t seen the ads for that.
166
whatever Says:
*********************************
You just can’t be this stupid! Chad is a very poor country, war going on in and around its borders, doubt if a five or four or three or two or one star hotels by whatever your standards are even exists in the whole country. Angelina had to travel through a sandstorm to reach the remote camp. I have actually been in a few and nothing prepares you for the sand hitting you and stinging and the near sandout/blackout of light. It can be a frightening experience. She then stayed in a refugee camp, sharing the primative conditions that the residents have to live in each day. She also pays all her own expenses.
Pages: « 1 … 5 6 7 [8] 9 10 11 … 25 » Show All
Comment and Share!
E-mail to a Friend or share on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and more!