Cédric Gerbehaye: Pictures of Congo
Democratic Republic of Congo
The conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the deadliest in African history. Since it began in August 1998, it is estimated that the fighting and its aftermath (poverty, disease, and malnutrition) have claimed nearly four million lives.
The UN Security Council decision to deploy an extra 3,000 troops, to bolster
its peacekeeping force, is a welcome step. However it is the implementation that
matters. We are still receiving reports of killings, rape and sexual violence
against women and girls, and the recruitment of child soldiers. The people of
DRC urgently need to see the promised reinforcement of MONUC troops on the ground
protecting them from attack.
Latest: ACT NOW TO HELP PROTECT CIVILIANS IN THE DRC
The situation in the DRC remains on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe. The recent fighting displaced at least 250,000 civilians, most of them women and children. These people are in a desperate situation, without sufficient food, water, medical supplies or shelter.
Get Involved:
- Urge the UK government to ensure the extra troops and equipment are deployed as soon as possible.
- Join our demonstration outside Downing Street on Wednesday 26th of December.
Video: Child soldiers abandoned
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Congo's tragedy: The war the world forgotThe UN estimates that 45,000 women were raped in the North Kivu province last year alone. Journalist Johann Hari visited a hospital coping with the sexual violence inflicted on women in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Read the report |
At least 11,000 children are still with armed groups or unaccounted for more
than two years after the government launched a country-wide programme to release
and reintegrate child soldiers into civilian life Amnesty appeal: support free speech in Congo
Amnesty International is working actively to ensure that human rights journalists are allowed to carry out their work unhindered and unmolested. Please support free speech in Congo by contributing to our appeal.
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Reports
- DRC: Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) and the Reform of the Army 25 Jan 2007
- Democratic Republic of Congo: Children at war, creating hope for the future 11 Oct 2006
- Democratic Republic of Congo: Election update; The Wire, September 2006. Vol. 36, No.8. 01 Sep 2006
- Democratic Republic of Congo: Open letter to DRC parliamentarians on legislation implementing the Rome Statute 14 Feb 2006
- DRC: North-Kivu: Civilians pay the price for political and military rivalry 28 Sep 2005
Lives blown apart
Despite the desperate situation in DRC much good work goes on. Gégé Katana Bukuru has set up an organisation for training women activists and helping people stand up for their rights.
