Over 5.4 million dead. Over 2 million displaced. Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to the deadliest conflict since World War II.
The situation in eastern Congo is dire. Government and rebel militias fight to control Congo's mines, which are rich with natural resources. Profits from conflict minerals fund horrific violence. Congo's disorganized military and police do little to stop it. Armed groups, operating without accountability, use rape and murder to intimidate civilians.
Since 1996, over 5.4 million have died from war-related causes. Countless women and children have been raped. Congo’s wars officially ended in 2003, yet violence continues today and more than 2 million people live as refugees.
Armed Groups
Armed groups wreak havoc in eastern Congo by terrorizing communities and fighting for power and access to mineral resources. Read More
Conflict Minerals
Armed groups and Congolese military use profits from trading in conflict minerals to self-finance campaigns of brutal violence against civilians. Read More
Justice and Accountability
Congo needs a system of justice and accountability by which perpetrators of atrocity crimes are caught, tried, and punished for their crimes. Read More
Security Sector Reform
Congolese security forces pose a significant threat to civilians. In eastern Congo, they commit murder and rape, and carry out torture and extortion. Read More
Sexual Violence
Every day, women and girls face threats from armed militias, the military, and even the police who are responsible for protecting them. Read More
Sustaining Livelihoods
As Congo's mining industry transitions from conflict minerals trade to legitimate business, miners need help transitioning to other sustainable sources of livelihood. Read More
