WASHINGTON, D.C. — The chair of Sweden for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has resigned after newly released material from the Epstein files showed she had previously visited Jeffrey Epstein’s private island in 2012, prompting scrutiny over her role with the humanitarian organization.
The official, Joanna Rubinstein, stepped down from her position following the disclosure. In her resignation statement, she acknowledged the visit but said she was unaware at the time of the full extent of Epstein’s criminal conduct and said the past association was unrelated to her UNHCR work. Sweden for UNHCR accepted her resignation, saying the move was made to protect the organization’s mission and reputation.
Documents in the newly released files showed records of Rubinstein’s travel to Epstein’s private island in 2012. The publication of those files has continued to draw attention to public figures with past links to Epstein or his associates.
The disclosure also triggered broader public reaction, with protests and renewed calls for accountability tied to names appearing in the records. Sweden for UNHCR said leadership transition plans are underway and emphasized that refugee support operations will continue.
Rubinstein said she regrets becoming a distraction from the organization’s humanitarian mission and expressed hope that her resignation would allow attention to return to displaced people and asylum seekers.
The Washington Herald
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Washington, D.C.
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