via wn.com

Angelina Jolie is on constant watch over our globe so it was only a matter of time before she became involved with the international watchdogs Human Rights Watch. Angelina and Brad are giving their support to HRW to control the violent diamond trade in Africa. For Angie, diamonds are definitely NOT a girl’s best friend--diamond fueled wars have killed over 4 million people.

HRW says that Brangelina has agreed to issue a formal statement from their foundation. The political pair is calling 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. They want Zimbabwe's coalition government, President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF party formed in February, to stop the abuses and prosecute those responsible.

The Marange diamond fields were discovered in Zimbabwe in 2006 when President Robert Mugabe—infamous for his brutal reign—was still in power. He ordered the military to guard the mines from illegal diggers. The military control over the mines has been bloody and the HRW claims that over 200 people have been killed and children are being forced to labor in the mines.

While the government has denied the allegations against them, HWR put together a report entitled “Diamonds in the Rough,” which details the diamond war going on in the country. Part of their effort is to broaden the definition of “blood diamonds” so that the crimes of the Zimbabwean government will not go unnoticed.

How does this affect us in America? In this case, people in America who are purchasing diamonds from certain companies are indirectly funding a war in Zimbabwe. Hollywood heavy hitters and other glamazons need to follow Brangelina’s example and pay attention to where they buy their bling! No one wants a blood diamond—so teach people about where they get their goods. There are consequences to being an irresponsible consumer.