Angelina Jolie reflects on Cambodia conflict, says son Maddox's birthplace remains close to her heart
Mumbai, July 24
Global star and humanitarian Angelina Jolie has marked the first anniversary of the Cambodia border conflict, saying the country, where her son Maddox was born, continues to hold a special place in her heart.
The Oscar-winning star penned a note on Instagram, where she spoke about how nearly 30,000 people remain internally displaced.
"One year ago, conflict broke out along Cambodia's border, upending the safety and stability of so many. Now, nearly 30,000 people remain internally displaced and unable to return home," she wrote.
Angelina shared that the place is her son Maddox's birth country
"Cambodia has always been a special country for me and my family. This is my son's country of birth, our home is here, and for over 20 years, we've worked with a fully locally-led team on conservation and community development. The Maddox Foundation is headquartered on the same border where the recent conflict took place," she added.
"I have had the honor of becoming close friends with my neighbors and the Foundation team as we demined and developed the area together. When the fighting broke out last year, we had to evacuate our staff and their families - a painful reminder of just how quickly conflict can return."
Jotting down points about why she loves Cambodia, Angelina wrote: "I love this country and its resilient, warm people. While we're grateful to have resumed our work protecting the land and supporting the community's health and livelihoods, my heart is with everyone still waiting to come home."
Angelina is the recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a Tony Award and three Golden Globe Awards. She is known for her humanitarian efforts.
The causes she promotes include conservation, education, and women's rights. She has been noted for her advocacy on behalf of refugees as a Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. She has undertaken field missions to refugee camps and war zones worldwide.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, it's refreshing. Most Hollywood types just visit for a photo op. She actually has a foundation doing demining and development near the border. That’s serious commitment, not just lip service. Big respect for putting her own family's safety on the line to help people. 💪
While I appreciate her sentiment, I wish there was more clarity on *why* the conflict happened. As an Indian, we know border tensions can get complicated. It's not just about evacuating staff; it's about root causes. Still, her work on conservation and women's rights is genuinely inspiring. 👏
Camera! That's a powerful note. "Nearly 30,000 people internally displaced" — we in India know what that means with our own internal displacement issues. She's not shying away from the hard reality. Good on her for highlighting the human cost, not just the celebrity side.👍
I’m skeptical of celebrities and their foundations abroad — so often it's just tax write-offs or PR. But she's been with Cambodia for 20+ years, and her son is from there. That's personal. She's walking the talk. If only more rich and famous people did this kind of sustained work.
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