Javier Bardem has urged government and technology companies around the world to stop using minerals from Congo in laptops and cell phones in a bid to combat rape in the African region.
- May 7, 2011
AceShowbiz - The "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" star Javier Bardem is backing the Raise Hope for the Congo organization's campaign "The Enough Project", which highlights how sex attacks on women are common during an ongoing turf war to control the area's minerals.
These minerals are subsequently used in several gadgets, including phones and computers, and Javier Bardem wants technology bosses to take a stand against them.
He says, "The most dangerous place for being a mother and a daughter is Congo, in the entire world. Rape as a weapon is something that happens in Congo and it's incredible to think about that. It's happening in order for us to get the best materials for our cellphones, our laptops."
"I have a phone and a laptop and a computer... all of them, they have these materials coming straight from the Congo which create this misery. In other words (it) is to say that our wealthy life is based on the misery of others... We really need to demand to the companies and to the governments, free conflict minerals for laptops, for cell phones. Rape free minerals."
Bardem is also hoping the U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, who has previously visited the region, will throw her support behind the drive ahead of America's Mother's Day on Sunday, May 8.
He adds, "Mother's Day, the mother-in-chief, Hillary Clinton... we ask Hillary Clinton to help us do that. As a mother, she will understand what it means to be a mother and the circumstances for many mothers out there. A Mother's Day for any of us who has a laptop or a cell phone, lets give the mothers and daughters of Congo a chance for peace."
