Resources and cobalt production
Although there is little known about this conflict, the West benefits from the valuable resources of Congo: many of modern technologies such as telephones, laptops and airplanes contain cobalt that comes from this conflict area. Local communities suffer from the extraction of cobalt in Congo. Besides the environmental pollution such as drinking water pollution, human rights of Congolese locals are seriously violated by forced relocation. Despite Congo’s crucial role in the global economy, these problems are not incidental, as research of SOMO points out. The consumption of digital goods in the West therefore has serious consequences for the people and nature of Congo, however, no responsibility is taken by the Western consumers or the market. Moreover, there is little to no awareness regarding this topic. How do we move forward from this?
Congoweek
Fortunately there are several organizations that are coming together to shed light on this issue. One of these organizations that will attend this evening is the UK based Congolese Action Youth Platform , an active group of the young diaspora that stands up against injustices regarding Congo.
Another organization developed by the international diaspora is Congoweek, an overarching institution that unites communities worldwide to raise global consciousness about the situation in the Congo. This event is co-created with the organization Congoweek, and aims to discuss the invisibility of conflicts in Congo, ways to raise awareness and build towards a positive future.
Reserve your place through:
https://dezwijger.nl/programma/congoweek-breaking-the-silence
