• Angelina Jolie has arrived in Pakistan to draw international attention to the country's unfolding humanitarian crisis in the wake of unprecedented rains and floods. According to the country's National Disaster Management Authority, a total 1,559 people, including 551 children, have died and more than 33 million people have been displaced since the monsoon season started in mid-June. Photo: International Rescue Committee
    Angelina Jolie has arrived in Pakistan to draw international attention to the country's unfolding humanitarian crisis in the wake of unprecedented rains and floods. According to the country's National Disaster Management Authority, a total 1,559 people, including 551 children, have died and more than 33 million people have been displaced since the monsoon season started in mid-June. Photo: International Rescue Committee
  • Jolie with a young mother in a makeshift shelter in Dadu, Pakistan. Photo: International Rescue Committee
    Jolie with a young mother in a makeshift shelter in Dadu, Pakistan. Photo: International Rescue Committee
  • Women in the village of Ibrahim Chandio in Dadu, Sindh talk to Angelina Jolie about some of the horrors they continue to face following the floods. Photo: International Rescue Committee
    Women in the village of Ibrahim Chandio in Dadu, Sindh talk to Angelina Jolie about some of the horrors they continue to face following the floods. Photo: International Rescue Committee
  • Angelina Jolie attends a briefing at the National Flood Response and Coordination Centre in Islamabad, Pakistan. Reuters
    Angelina Jolie attends a briefing at the National Flood Response and Coordination Centre in Islamabad, Pakistan. Reuters

Angelina Jolie steps down as UN refugee envoy after 20 years


  • English
  • Arabic

Angelina Jolie announced on Friday that she would be stepping down from her role as the UNHCR's special envoy after more than 20 years of working with the refugee agency.

The Hollywood actress has carried out more than 60 field missions with UNHCR, shining a spotlight on the plight of millions of people displaced from their homes over the past two decades.

“After 20 years working within the UN system, I feel it is time for me to work differently, engaging directly with refugees and local organisations, and supporting their advocacy for solutions,” Jolie said in a statement.

“I will continue to do everything in my power in the years to come to support refugees and other displaced people.”

Angelina Jolie in Yemen — in pictures

  • Hollywood actress and UN special envoy Angelina Jolie, left, sits with displaced Yemeni women and listens to their stories of struggle in Al Kandam, Yemen. AP
    Hollywood actress and UN special envoy Angelina Jolie, left, sits with displaced Yemeni women and listens to their stories of struggle in Al Kandam, Yemen. AP
  • The actress arrived in Yemen on Sunday to meet people who have been displaced by the country's seven-year conflict. AP
    The actress arrived in Yemen on Sunday to meet people who have been displaced by the country's seven-year conflict. AP
  • Her visit comes before the annual pledging meeting for Yemen on March 16. AFP
    Her visit comes before the annual pledging meeting for Yemen on March 16. AFP
  • Jolie is hoping her visit will help draw attention to the conflict's catastrophic consequences, said the UN refugee agency, UNHCR. AP
    Jolie is hoping her visit will help draw attention to the conflict's catastrophic consequences, said the UN refugee agency, UNHCR. AP
  • Jolie inside a camp for people displaced by war in Lahej, Yemen. Reuters
    Jolie inside a camp for people displaced by war in Lahej, Yemen. Reuters
  • The UN special envoy shakes hands with a woman displaced by war. Reuters
    The UN special envoy shakes hands with a woman displaced by war. Reuters
  • UN aid chiefs worry that donor fatigue will affect Yemen, as governments shift allocations to Ukraine, Afghanistan and other crises. Reuters
    UN aid chiefs worry that donor fatigue will affect Yemen, as governments shift allocations to Ukraine, Afghanistan and other crises. Reuters
  • Jolie gestures as she leaves a camp for displaced people. Reuters
    Jolie gestures as she leaves a camp for displaced people. Reuters

UNHCR called her one of the most influential proponents of refugee rights, bringing international attention to underfunded humanitarian emergencies.

The Oscar-winning star has worked with UNHCR since 2001 and became a special envoy in 2012.

In this expanded role, she built awareness and support for refugees and called for urgent solutions for people forced to flee their homes, UNHCR said.

Jolie has “worked tirelessly … to bear witness to stories of suffering as well as hope and resilience”, the Geneva-based agency said.

In October, she travelled to Pakistan to meet people affected by devastating floods that killed more than 1,400 people. Experts have said the heavier-than-usual monsoon rains that caused the floods were triggered by climate change.

“This is a real wake-up call to the world about where we're at,” she said at the time. “Climate change is not only real and it's not only coming, it's very much here.”

During a visit to Yemen in March, Jolie visited families displaced by the country's civil war, which has been raging since 2015.

The war has claimed more than 370,000 lives, directly and indirectly, the UN says, and has caused widespread suffering, with four fifths of Yemen’s 30 million people needing aid.

“We urgently need to find solutions that enable conflicts to be addressed and displaced people to be able to return home in dignity and safety,” she said.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Jolie visited the hard-hit city of Lviv, meeting displaced people and those who are trying to help them.

UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi said of Jolie: “We are grateful for her decades of service, her commitment, and the difference she has made for refugees and people forced to flee.

“After a long and successful time with UNHCR, I appreciate her desire to shift her engagement and support her decision.

“I know the refugee cause will remain close to her heart, and I am certain she will bring the same passion and attention to a wider humanitarian portfolio.”

Jolie is a well-respected actress in Hollywood, garnering numerous awards and accolades for her performances in films such as Girl, Interrupted, Changeling and A Mighty Heart.

Agence France-Presse contributed to this report

  • Brad Pitt allegedly hit one of his children in the face and choked another during a fight with Angelina Jolie on a private plane, according to court papers filed by his ex-wife. Getty Images / AFP
    Brad Pitt allegedly hit one of his children in the face and choked another during a fight with Angelina Jolie on a private plane, according to court papers filed by his ex-wife. Getty Images / AFP
  • Brad Pitt has accused his ex-wife Angelina Jolie of seeking to inflict harm on him by selling her stake in their French vineyard to a Russian oligarch. Getty Images / AFP
    Brad Pitt has accused his ex-wife Angelina Jolie of seeking to inflict harm on him by selling her stake in their French vineyard to a Russian oligarch. Getty Images / AFP
  • Actress and humanitarian Jolie meets a flood victim at a makeshift shelter during her visit to Ibrahim Chandio village at Johi town in Dadu district, Sindh province in Pakistan. AFP
    Actress and humanitarian Jolie meets a flood victim at a makeshift shelter during her visit to Ibrahim Chandio village at Johi town in Dadu district, Sindh province in Pakistan. AFP
  • Jolie being presented with the Insignia of an Honorary Dame Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. PA
    Jolie being presented with the Insignia of an Honorary Dame Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. PA
  • Jolie comforts a young victim of the Kramatorsk railway station missile strike in Lviv children's hospital, in western Ukraine. EPA
    Jolie comforts a young victim of the Kramatorsk railway station missile strike in Lviv children's hospital, in western Ukraine. EPA
  • Jolie waves as she evacuates during her visit to Lviv, amid air raid sirens during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Reuters
    Jolie waves as she evacuates during her visit to Lviv, amid air raid sirens during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Reuters
  • Jolie walks inside the main railway station during her visit to Lviv. Reuters
    Jolie walks inside the main railway station during her visit to Lviv. Reuters
  • Jolie poses for a picture with Ukrainian children. Reuters
    Jolie poses for a picture with Ukrainian children. Reuters
  • Jolie visits a young patient from Ukraine at the Bambino Gesu Paediatric Hospital in Rome, Italy. Reuters
    Jolie visits a young patient from Ukraine at the Bambino Gesu Paediatric Hospital in Rome, Italy. Reuters
  • Jolie attends an event to celebrate the reauthorisation of the Violence Against Women Act at the White House. AP
    Jolie attends an event to celebrate the reauthorisation of the Violence Against Women Act at the White House. AP
  • Jolie sits with displaced Yemeni women and listens to their stories of struggle in Al Kandam, Yemen. AP
    Jolie sits with displaced Yemeni women and listens to their stories of struggle in Al Kandam, Yemen. AP
  • The actress arrived in Yemen to meet people who have been displaced by the country's seven-year conflict. AP
    The actress arrived in Yemen to meet people who have been displaced by the country's seven-year conflict. AP
  • Her visit came before the annual UN pledging meeting for Yemen. AFP
    Her visit came before the annual UN pledging meeting for Yemen. AFP
  • Jolie is hoping her visit will help draw attention to the conflict's catastrophic consequences, said the UN refugee agency. AP
    Jolie is hoping her visit will help draw attention to the conflict's catastrophic consequences, said the UN refugee agency. AP
  • Jolie inside a camp for people displaced by war in Lahej, Yemen. Reuters
    Jolie inside a camp for people displaced by war in Lahej, Yemen. Reuters
  • The UN special envoy shakes hands with a woman displaced by war. Reuters
    The UN special envoy shakes hands with a woman displaced by war. Reuters
  • Jolie visits with displaced people in Yemen. Reuters
    Jolie visits with displaced people in Yemen. Reuters
  • Jolie gestures as she leaves a camp for displaced people. Reuters
    Jolie gestures as she leaves a camp for displaced people. Reuters
Breast cancer in men: the facts

1) Breast cancer is men is rare but can develop rapidly. It usually occurs in those over the ages of 60, but can occasionally affect younger men.

2) Symptoms can include a lump, discharge, swollen glands or a rash. 

3) People with a history of cancer in the family can be more susceptible. 

4) Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy but early diagnosis is the key. 

5) Anyone concerned is urged to contact their doctor

 

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

GIANT REVIEW

Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan

Director: Athale

Rating: 4/5

Joe Root's Test record

Tests: 53; Innings: 98; Not outs: 11; Runs: 4,594; Best score: 254; Average: 52.80; 100s: 11; 50s: 27

Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

Profile

Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari

Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.

Number of employees: Over 50

Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised

Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital 

Sector of operation: Transport

Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
​​​​​​​Penguin Press

Winners

Best Men's Player of the Year: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

Maradona Award for Best Goal Scorer of the Year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

TikTok Fans’ Player of the Year: Robert Lewandowski

Top Goal Scorer of All Time: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

Best Women's Player of the Year: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)

Best Men's Club of the Year: Chelsea

Best Women's Club of the Year: Barcelona

Best Defender of the Year: Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus/Italy)

Best Goalkeeper of the Year: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)

Best Coach of the Year: Roberto Mancini (Italy)

Best National Team of the Year: Italy 

Best Agent of the Year: Federico Pastorello

Best Sporting Director of the Year: Txiki Begiristain (Manchester City)

Player Career Award: Ronaldinho

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

A%20Little%20to%20the%20Left
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMax%20Inferno%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsoles%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PC%2C%20Mac%2C%20Nintendo%20Switch%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Match info

Uefa Champions League Group C

Liverpool v Napoli, midnight

Updated: December 16, 2022, 6:00 PM