Islamabad, 20 September 2022  (TDI): Angelina Jolie, an American actress and international humanitarian, is visiting Pakistan to assist communities hit by the disastrous floods. Heavy rains and flooding have affected 33 million people and submerged one-third of Pakistan in water.

Angelina Jolie is traveling to see and obtain a better knowledge of the situation and to hear directly from those affected about their needs and preventative measures.

Angelina Jolie has also previously visited flood victims in Pakistan in 2010 and earthquake victims in 2005.

Furthermore, she will tour the International Rescue Committee’s emergency response operations and local organizations aiding displaced people, including Afghan refugees.

Pakistan is the second-largest refugee host in the world since its people have provided asylum to Afghan refugees for over four decades.

Angelina Jolie will emphasize the need for immediate support for the Pakistani people and long-term solutions to the escalating challenges of climate change, human displacement, and chronic instability.

Also read: USAID Administrator arrives in Pakistan

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) hopes that Angelina Jolie’s visit would put attention to the issue of global climate change and push the international community, particularly governments with the highest carbon emissions, to act and provide urgent assistance to countries bearing the brunt of the climate catastrophe.

Remarks by Pakistan’s IRC Director

“The climate crisis is destroying lives and futures in Pakistan, with severe consequences, especially for women and children”, Shabnam Baloch, Pakistan Country Director at the IRC said.

“The resulting economic loss from these floods will likely lead to food insecurity and an increase in violence against women and girls”, she said.

We need immediate support to reach people in urgent need, and long-term investments to stop climate change from destroying our collective futures.

With more rains expected in the coming months, we hope Angelina Jolie’s visit will help the world wake up and take action, she added.