By Tim Saunders on
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were in Syria last week to meet with Iraqi refugees to raise awareness of their plight.
“Most Iraqi refugees cannot return to Iraq in view of the severe trauma they experienced there, the uncertainty linked to the coming Iraqi elections, the security issues and the lack of basic services,” said Jolie, who was in Damascus for the UNHCR. “They will, therefore, be in need of continued support from the international community.”
It was the actress’ second visit to Syria in two years. On Friday, she visited Damascus’ poorest suburbs where she was welcomed by two Iraqi families and – along with Brad Pitt – discussed the Iraqi refugee crisis with Syrian President Bashar Assad.
UNHCR has stated that more than 4.2 million Iraqis have left their homes since the beginning of the conflict in 2003.
“It is clear that the Syrian people, no matter the challenges or difficulties they may face, have always shown generous hospitality to people in need,” said Jolie. “I hope that the rest of the world recognizes that we all have to share this burden and continue to take care of Iraqi refugees.”
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