Photp Courtesy of UNHCR/J. Tanner

UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie is in Pakistan today, highlighting the suffering of millions of flood victims and the need for continuing aid for the displaced.

In a PSA video released August 31, Jolie pleads: “One-fifth of Pakistan is under water… and the threat of disease now looms for 20 million affected people. This is not just a humanitarian crisis, it is an economic and social catastrophe. UNHCR is on the ground. The more support we can give, the greater number of tents, food, clean water and medicine will get to the people in need.”

Jolie is travelling today in Pakistan as the personal envoy of UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres. “It’s clear this crisis is far from over,” Jolie said. “People have lost everything: their homes, their belongings, their crops and cattle, and their livelihoods. Long after the cameras have gone, people will be struggling to rebuild their lives.”


ALYSSA MILANO ALSO APPEALS FOR FUNDS FOR PAKISTAN FLOOD VICTIMS

“They are still rebuilding infrastructure from the earthquake of 2005. They continue to have large numbers of IDPs as a result of the conflict in the north, and host 1.7 million Afghan refugees who still need care and refuge as conflict continues in their homeland. And now, of course, the recent flooding and its aftermath already affecting millions and the looming threat of disease,” Jolie continued.

UNHCR has delivered help to almost 750,000 people, but continued flooding in many areas of southern Pakistan is creating new challenges for relief efforts in what has already become one of the most complex humanitarian crises of recent times.

WOW! Poor Sandra Bullock can’t catch a break lately.

America’s sweetheart tried to do the right thing by joining an all-star celebrity cast in a PSA video (click here to see video) urging Americans to sign a petition to have Congress foot the bill to clean up the Gulf after the BP oil spill.

That ad was created by Women of the Storm whose “mission is to educate leaders and gain attention to the scale and breadth of devastation caused in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.” Evidence has since surfaced that the Gulf cleanup PSA video ad may have been propaganda created for BP so BP avoids having to pay for the mess it created.

Bullock, whose image is the most prominent in the video and the promotional pieces put out by Women of the Storm has now asked that her image be pulled from the video until she can ascertain who is behind this campaign. Bullock has issued a statement through her publicist saying that:

“Ms. Bullock was originally contacted through her attorney to be a part of the PSA in order to promote awareness of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. At no time was she made aware that any organization, oil company or otherwise had influence over Women of the Storm or its message. We have immediately asked for her participation in the PSA be removed until the facts can be determined. Her commitment to the Gulf region has been apparent for many years and she will continue to pursue opportunities that will bring awareness and support to the plight of the Gulf region.”

Sandra, thank you for trying to help. I mean, when the PSA first appeared, a lot of people thought “why should Congress (and ultimately taxpayers really) and not BP foot the bill to clean the Gulf”?  So, it makes sense that BP does in fact a hand behind its creation. I was concerned too at first, but then thought, at the end of the day, someone has to stand up for the environment and the suffering animals, regardless of who is at fault and who should pay. So, I hope this mess gets sorted out soon even if it is me and you who end up paying for it in the end.