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Congo: Catholic Aid Agency Calls for Immediate Action On Crisis Print E-mail
Written by CISA   
Monday, 15 September 2008
A Catholic relief and development agency has called on the international community and the African Union to devise an action plan to resolve the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In a new report, titled Forsaken Voices, Caritas Australia, suggests that the international community establishes a commission of inquiry into the atrocities in the country.

Governments, parliaments, civic groups and international organizations must, in accordance with obligations under the UN declaration on human rights and in support of UN resolution 1304, commit to protect the people of the DRC and end the conflict and the culture of impunity.

"The international community and AU must collaborate with the International Criminal Court to prosecute as a war crime the recruitment and use of children as soldiers and establish international commission of inquiry to ensure the government of DRC takes the necessary steps to end human rights violations and bring the perpetrators to justice," the organisation said.

The report condemned the killing of civilians and other serious human rights violations and called on the government of DRC to establish the rule of law and ensure thorough investigation and prosecution of sexual violence against girls, including rape, prostitution, forced marriage and discrimination.

Caritas Australia said the Australian government must immediately contribute USD20 million in development assistance to the DRC in line with its commitment to African humanitarian assistance and development.

The organizations also said that the corporate sector must play a role by setting up a consultative and holistic scheme of accountability and transparency in regards to their investments and interests in the DRC.

DRC is one of the richest countries in Africa and its wealth has been the scourge since its initial encounters with Europeans. The wealth has fueled a bitter and extended series of conflicts compounded by dictatorial governments and entrenched corruption.

The great losers continue to be children and women and now rape and sexual violence is an endemic problem. In June 2008, over 2000 rape cases were reported in one province alone.

The humanitarian situation is appalling. More than 1,200 Congolese are estimated to be dying daily from conflict-related causes, preventable diseases, poverty, gender based violence and other atrocities. An estimated 80 per cent is now living below poverty line and more than 70 per cent are undernourished. Life expectancy is 47 years with latest statistics suggesting that 20 per cent of children do not live until the age of five.
Last Updated ( Sunday, 14 September 2008 )