Jolie promoted by UN refugee agency

After a decade of promoting refugee causes around the world, Angelina Jolie herself has been promoted.

The UN refugee agency has elevated the Hollywood star from being a goodwill ambassador to a special envoy, a role that will see her represent the organisation at the diplomatic level to governments and diplomats.

It is the first time the UNHCR has named a special envoy, said spokesman Adrian Edwards. Elsewhere in the global body, such posts are usually reserved for career diplomats or retired politicians.