Pick of the week – what about the DRC?

This week, the DRC has been noticeably absent from much of the mainstream media given that its second ever election is fast approaching, and that the first ever prosecution case of the International Criminal Court, which drew to a close last Friday, was of the Congolese warlord, Thomas Lubanga. This pick of the week tries to redress this imbalance and highlight the latest news and campaigns coming out of the country.

1. WITNESS

Witness is a project that uses videos to make public the human rights violations going on around the world. To learn more about the experiences of child soldiers forced to fight in the DRC, watch the video above or click here for more information about the situation. To find out more about WITNESS in general, click here.

2. ‘The Congo Story Project‘

The Congo Story Project is a reporting and public awareness campaign set up by the Voice of America and Citizen Global to spread awareness of the gender-based violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.  Individuals are empowered by the platform offered to them from which they can broadcast their stories. For the highest rated media that Congolese civilians have sent to the project, click here.

3. ‘Reflection: Gender Issues and Child Soldiers’

On 25 August, the ICC trial of Thomas Lubanga drew to a close. He was accused of using child soldiers whilst part of the Union of Congolese Patriots (UCP). To read a fascinating article on the lesser-known gendered dimensions of the case, click here.

4. ‘What will be the outcome of the DRC’s elections?’

Congo Now! is a coalition-led campaign that works to raise the profile of civilian suffering in the DRC, and offers regular news updates. To read their latest summary of the Congolese election situation, click here.

5. ‘DRC Music’

‘DRC Music’ is a group of producers brought together by Damon Albarn, who have worked to produce an album for Oxfam. They hope to help its work to alleviate the worst effects of the humanitarian crisis in the country. To learn more, click here, or to watch their latest trailer click here.