Human Rights and the Congo

Greetings Family, Salutations 

On the eve of this International Human Rights Day, I would like to again call your attention to the world's most devastating human rights crisis.....the ongoing slaughter, horrific acts of rape, displacement of whole communities, devastation of the natural environment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Indeed this war that seems to express itself as internecine, is at it's root, feed by an insatiable demand by the global economy for the vital resources of the Congo. This horror that in scope, approximates the suffering of WWII, and is  a tragic continuum of the nightmare of obscene creation of Leoplold's so called Congo Free State, is the blood sacrifice of African people, payment for the flourishing of the dominant global order. No excuse for those on the ground , (FDLR- ex Interhamwe, FPLC,Mai Mai and FRF amongst others), corrupt politicians in the DRC , Great Lakes states and beyond. But surely those who benefit most,who  have historically fueled and funded the slaughter, organized the endless supplies of arms and equipment needed to keep the bandits in the field must bear ultimate responsibility for the violation of the human rights of the people of the DRC.  So on this International Human Rights Day it is incumbent upon those of us who care, have a conscience or just horrified that our consumption of the high tech items of modern life, come at the expense of the lifeblood of our brothers and sisters, to speak up and act.The slaughter must stop and Lumumba's dream, the human rights and dignity of our people must be restored.

The Congo is not poor, but impoverished by the greed of Western predators.

These sisters and brothers are not terrorists, but savagely abused in their own homeland, now by our own children for the benefit of the invader.

The DRC is not the heart of darkness, but the shining light, the pulsating heart of Africa that is alive and striding into a better tomorrow in the beautiful promise of our children .

Peace, justice and sovereignty for the Congolese people.  Onward to victory for all African people.

Join with and help build the Pan African movement for the liberation, sovereignty and dignity of the Congolese people.

Demand that the Pan African world fulfill it's sacred duty to our struggling sisters and brothers. 

Challenge the AU to honorably discharge it's constitutional duty

Demand accountability from the international community... bring the robbers of Africa to justice, demand respect from the MONUSCO  peacekeeping mission.

Call on your local community to stand up for Human Rights in the DRC and everywhere.

Request media coverage commensurate with the magnitude of this human tragedy. 

Visit the Friends of the Congo website and join the "Break the Silence Campaign"

We will not forget the suffering in Rwanda or the MAAFA

JANUARY 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
50th Anniversary of the Assassination of Patrice Emery Lumumba
Films, Forums, Teach-ins, Rallies
Click here to find out about Patrice Lumumba
Contact: info@friendsofthecongo.org in order to participate.

Sizwe

View below study on Friends of the Congo website

Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls During
the War in the Democratic Republic of Congo
South Kivu (1996-2003)
“They have destroyed our bodies and stripped us of our possessions.”
(M.C., KASHEKE, KALEHE, SOUTH KIVU, DRC)
“The use of rape in conflict reflects the inequalities women face in
their everyday lives in peacetime. Until governments live up to their
obligations to ensure equality, and end discrimination against women,
rape will continue to be a favourite weapon of the aggressor.”
(AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL: HUMAN RIGHTS ARE WOMEN’S RIGHTS, LONDON, 1995

Women's Bodies as a Battleground: Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls During the War in the Democratic Republic of Congo (PDF)
By Marie Claire Omanyondo Ohambe, Jean Berckmans Bahananga Muhigwa, Barnabe Mulyuumba Wa Mamba, Martine Rene Galloy, Ndeya Sow, and Catherine Hall