In 2006, the Marange diamond fields were discovered in Zimbabwe. When Zimbabweans heard that there was a new mine, many rushed out to see if they could find diamonds close to surface of the mine walls. Unfortunately for them, 2006 was also one of the worst years in Zimbabwe’s fragile political system. Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s president and brutal despot, was years into his reign of political, financial, military and humanitarian reign of terror. Mugabe cracked down on the illegal miners, and ordered the military to guard the mine, which is rumored to have more than $200 million worth of diamonds, just waiting to be mined. Military control over the mine has been bloody – Human Rights Watch claim that more than 200 people have been killed in or around the mine. HRW also compiled a report called “Diamonds in the Rough” which describes (through witness interviews) the human rights abuses occurring by the military to those who work in or around the mine.
Most likely in the hopes of bringing more attention, more headline, and more financial support to this issue in particular and human rights abuses in general, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are issuing a statement through their foundation and through HRW. According to HRW’s executive director, “Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have issued a call for a ban on any sale or purchase of Marange diamonds … until … the mining is not based on the violent abuse of residents in that region.” Here’s more:
Human Rights Watch said Friday that Zimbabwe’s armed forces have taken over diamond fields in the east and killed more than 200 people, forcing children to search for the precious gems and beating villagers who get in the way.
The New York-based organization said its call for a ban on diamonds from the region had received an endorsement from Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. A statement from the couple’s foundation was expected later Friday.
“Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have issued a call for a ban on any sale or purchase of Marange diamonds … until … the mining is not based on the violent abuse of residents in that region,” said Kenneth Roth, Human Rights Watch’s executive director.
Zimbabwe’s deputy mining minister, Murisi Zwizwai, has denied the allegations and said the presence of the military is to secure the area.
More than 100 witnesses, miners, police officers, soldiers and children were interviewed for the report entitled “Diamonds in the Rough,” which details allegations of human rights abuses by Zimbabwean armed forces in an attempt to control access to the precious gems.
The human rights group said searchers had gathered evidence of mass graves and accounts of an incident last year when military helicopters fired at miners, while armed soldiers on the ground chased villagers from the area.
“There are hundreds of victims of human rights abuses that are unwilling to come forward for fear of the military,” Zimbabwe researcher Dewa Mavhinga said.
The report also alleges that some of the income from the diamond fields is going to officials of President Robert Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party, long accused of trampling on human rights and democracy in the southern African country.
The international human rights watchdog is calling on Zimbabwe’s coalition government, formed in February, to stop the abuses and prosecute those responsible. It is also calling on the international body that governs the global diamond industry to press Zimbabwe, a participant, to end the illegal trade in Marange diamonds.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, established in 2002, aims to stem the flow of “blood diamonds” being used to fund fighting across Africa. Participants are forced to certify the origins of the diamonds being traded. This assures consumers that by purchasing diamonds they are not financing war and human rights abuses.
Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, said the group is calling for the definition of blood diamonds to be broadened to include gems mined through “repression and violent abuses” by governments.
[From The Associated Press]
Obviously, these abuses are wrong and they should be stopped. But I tend to think speaking out about only the human rights abuses in this one mine is tragically narrow-minded. Zimbabwe is totally and completely f-cked, and it’s going to take a lot more than a blood diamond ban to improve the quality of Zimbabweans’ lives. However, I do understand that HRW is trying to move the human rights-goalpost forward by choosing this issue, and they’re right. The definition of “blood diamonds” should be broadened.
As for why in the world Angelina and Brad are going to issue a statement – well, every major media outlet is covering this story as “Angelina and Brad want blood diamond ban”. How many of them would have carried this story if it was just HRW calling for a ban?
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are shown at the German premiere of Benjamin Button on 1/19/09. Credit: WENN.com
these two idiots. they should simply give those poor countries their money, help and finally shut up. how did it come so far that actors are more important in our society than journalists for example?
i love the appropriateness of showing her covered in tacky-ass diamonds that are almost certainly from Sierra Leone or Liberia! I’ve always wondered why she never spoke out against conflict diamonds, which are not at all easy to avoid. DeBeers is one of the most disgusting companies in the world in that regard. This statement from them almost makes it seem like Zimbabwe is the only country that this is happening in – and it’s not even the worst. You can say it’s great that they “bring awareness” to causes, but their misguided attempts at humanitarianism can also be very misleading. What is so dishonorable about being an entertainer that they have to fancy themselves something else?
Ugh, easy enough to jump on a bandwagon, pay your lip service, then walk away. I understand they feel that drawing their celebrity to a cause and getting it attention is some kind of blessed gift but seriously, its starting to get nauseating.
@thepoop – great post.
When The Brandgelina commands, thou shalt obey!
On the seventh day, they rested.
So does that mean she will no longer wear ANY diamonds to red carpet premiers as well?
Ug, I’m so sick of these two. Obviously it’s a serious issue, many people are aware of it but more would be better, and yes, a ban is probably a good idea, a small step in helping.
But do B&A have to attach their name to everything like this? It just reeks of PR spin. Hello, you’re actors. If you want to be activists or whatever, fine, go do that instead. But I have a hard time taking social issue advice from people who drop millions on homes they barely live in, or environmental advice from a guy who spends more time on a private jet than I do in my car. If they really want to help, give money and give time, and do it QUIETLY. Do it for the right reasons, because you truly want to help, not because it gets your names in the headlines yet again.
I have no problem with them speaking out. but saying “Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have issued a call for a ban” drives me nuts.
Why do they have the authority to call; for such a ban? President’s of the world??? now I’m not a JA fan either (i like them all equally-which at the moment is near zero), but since when did we appoint AJ and BP to be our rulers?
It’s fine to bring attention to something you believe in, but to “call for a ban” is ridiculous, you have no authority. it really rubs me the wrong way.
thepoop/obvious: Excellent comments, thank you.
I have never understood all of the venom that is aimed at these 2. At least they are doing something with the millions that they earn and with the media attention that is constantly focused on them. They could keep all of their money to themselves. They could spend their free time working on their tans like some celebrities who shall remain nameless. They could be doing the square root of F all to give back to a world that has been very generous to them, but they’re not, they’re doing something, more of a something than a lot of people in their position.
oh please go away both of you.
stick to acting.
Patty,
There are still journalists in this country? (wink)
I think the Brangaloonies calling them Saints..has gone to thier heads! They can’t call a ban on anything except adopting more kids.
Patricia Heaton, Kurt Warner, Jim Caviezel called for a ban on stem cell research. Those idiots, when did actors and athletes become more knowledgeable than scientists.Don’t get me started on idiots supporting a ban on 3rd trimester abortions as if the baby is less dead during a 1st or 2nd semester abortion.
If celebrates really want to call attention to issues like this. Why don’t they start wearing lab created stones on the red carpet? Just because the jeweler tells you that a stone is conflict free, it may not be so. Angie and Brad need to walk the walk instead of talking the talk. Let’s see Ms. Jolie at her next movie premier or award show flashing fake stones instead of the giant stones that cause all of this blood. This is a serious global issue. A few years ago I watched that movie Blood Diamond. I had a co-worker who was from that county in the movie and it literally made me sick to my stomach to think that children and families had to go through that so some one can have a diamond ring. Since seeing that movie I will not wear anything but lab created stones.
IS your wedding ring a fake diamond?
Yeah, while I appreciate them calling attention to a human rights atrocity, I’d be really impressed if Angie gave up the sparklies all together.
The majority of the the world’s diamonds are bought in blood. Even stones that are “conflict free” or “lab created” still contribute to and perpetuate the whole “diamonds are forever” imagery – thus causing more of a demand for actual diamonds. It’s a disgusting cycle, and it’s why I refuse to wear any mineral begot by slave labor. (As my fiance breathes a huge sigh of relief!)
I can barely keep from rolling my eyes when a customer (or my MIL) shows off their latest multi-carat monstrosity. How many people had to die so you can wear that status symbol on your finger?!
Diamonds from Canada’s north often have a minuscule polo bear etched on the side, must have a jewelers lope to see but it is a way to distinguish Canadian diamonds from blood diamonds. They are of the same quality as conflict diamonds.
my wedding ring is 90 years old – another good way to make sure it’s not a conflict diamond and also something that celebrities who “care” about this issue could easily do…
…but then they wouldn’t get good PR and loaned jewels from the shady (& high-end) jewelers at awards season. 🙁 🙁 🙁
what’s a pair of hollow, vapid movie stars to do??
i know! make some meaningless declaration of momentary commitment to a cause they don’t really understand. better yet, don’t inform the public how they can get involved. that way, nobody WILL get involved, and then nobody will notice when they stop caring.
PR genius.
For the love of God, someone make them SHUT UP. Come on – it’s like saying they call for a ban on killing kittens. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Obvious. Oh, and BTW, didn’t all PC people already stop buying blood diamonds about 4 years ago. Yawn!!!
Here’s what I picture happening: the brange in bed, reading specific material set out for them by their assitants- you know, things they should “be aware of” – they lite up a joint, a few passes back and forth, general chit chat about the article they’re perusing, and when they come to the info on Marange diamonds say “you know what babe? (inhale) I think we should put out a statement about this (exhale)” All the while having no clue that these things have been going on – uninterrupted!!- in a handful of other countries for decades.
I like their charity- I see their eagerness to help- but they need to pick on specific cause. Doing small parts here and there is not as effective: its like vaccumming part of the living room and deciding to finish the rest later.
If they just got FOCUSSED!
I’m sure most the women typing negatives about this couple get rubbed the wrong way wearing size 12 too. But who am I to tell the world that?
Well they don’t have to end there.
I’m sure there are a million other bad things they can issue a ban on.
I hope they issue a ban on hooking up with Paris Hilton, she’s ruined Cristiano Ronaldo for me already.
That is the ugliest outfit and hairdo ever, really why is she considered to be so beautiful????? She is so not, there are tons of more attractive woman in hollywood, and her body, men really like bony Mary Tyler moore looking bods? I don’t think so.
I certainly can’t argue with banning blood diamonds, but, are Brangelina now U.S. leaders who can call for a ban on foreign products? This is ridiculous. Has our political system tanked so badly that we don’t have elected politicians to do the job they were elected to do? No wonder the US are on the decline.
Why don’t these shallow actors do THEIR jobs? They are ACTORS, not politicians. And their ‘charity’ is obviously very suspicious. I suppose they are making money with charity. Where are the millions they or she promised to donate?
Issue a ban on these two fakes!
yeah seriously, who are they to issue a ban on diamonds from ONE country when this issue is sooo much bigger than that and them? Get over yourselves, Brange. Instead of issuing a statement why dont they actually get their hands dirty and put their celebrity power to use. We “little people” would love to have their resources to make this world a better place. I think their humanitarian efforts are great. Third world countries do need our help but I think they have forgotten about the people suffering in our country. Our citizens who are fighting tooth and nail to make it through the month. If they wanna change the world how about starting in their own back yard. America has plenty of issues that could use some awareness.
@Great woman, June 26th, 10:49: “I’m sure most the women typing negatives about this couple get rubbed the wrong way wearing size 12 too. But who am I to tell the world that?”
People like you are the reason why US citizens are considered the most stupid people in the world. You aren’t able to rate a person or a character by their actions or qualifications. You are unable to differentiate between politics and show biz. You are focussed on looks only, I feel sorry for you.
I am glad there are also intelligent comments on these two greedy fakes.
@Great woman, June 26th, 10:49: “I’m sure most the women typing negatives about this couple get rubbed the wrong way wearing size 12 too. But who am I to tell the world that?”
Any citizen who doesn’t want shallow hypocritical actors with tax shelters to interfere politics MUST be a size 12. Brangeloonie Logic….
Tedious preachy hypocrites. How did a couple of actors (both of whom have dubious morality anyway) end up as the moral spokespeople for our society?
You know the headline I’d REALLY like to see?
“Angelina and Brad endorse ban on buying third world babies”.
The fact is, diamonds are plentiful and the price people (i expect mostly men)are expected to pay for them is one of the biggest scams going. And it has been going for a long time.
Obviously this Human Rights group called for a ban And Brad and Angie said of course they support a ban. Calm down people. When Peta calls for a ban on animal testing plenty of celebs support the ban and Peta incudes their names in their press release.Did people freak out when Brad contributed money to the anti Prop 8 bill. Hayden P. name was included in a list of celebs calling for a ban on whale fishing. So celebs aren’t allowed to support causes?GMAFB. Btw there is no statement about them supportng the ban at The J-P foundation website and no press release
yeah, brad and Angie, don’t help others, keep your money and stay shallow like the rest of hollyweird, if someone ask you to borrow your name to save a life, for god sakes, turn them down, it is not you who uplifted your names, but other countries, and if people agree with these other negatives comments, well i guess they are smarter than the high authorities who asked for your help, but lets not forget, these sames people praises a shallow bimbo who has millions and refuses to do anything but pose for pictures with a new BF FOR PUBLICITY, this world and the people in it are messed up.
Diamonds don’t only come from poor countries with bad human rights records. Canada and Australia especially have a lot of diamonds. Geez people get off their back, most of my diamonds are Australian diamonds.
What I consider of equal importance is if your jewels and especially the gold and silver your rings are made out of are mined in a manner that is environmentally friendly. Just a plain gold band minded using environmentally friendly methods can sell for over $8000.
I can understand that some people don’t feel the need, or don’t have the opportunity to help others due to various reasons, it’s okay. What I don’t get is that why some people not only don’t do anything to make the world a better place, but also constantly bash others who are trying?
Give me a break, at least at their level Brad and Angelina are doing something; donating money, supporting causes that matters to them…
Is it enough? Did they change the world? I don’t think so, but at least they are TRYING.
I bet the main reason they keep doing this is the reward they get from thank yous of those who need their help. Do you guys think that your “shut ups” and hate words would prevent refugees from Pakistan to be grateful from the million dollar they get from Brad and Angie, or to those who fight against Blood diamonds from Zimbabwe? The answer is no.
It’s just a pity that some of us are very good at badmouthing others undertakings, hiding behind their computers rather than facing the truth and being more compassionate. It’s a shame.