CHILDREN’S RIGHTS

According to Human Rights Watch, Congo is rated tier two. The most serious human rights abuse in the country is the illicit trafficking of women for prostitution and young boys as child soldiers. In Congo, Bosco Ntaganda, a former rebel commander charged with war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC), continues to live in the country without fear of prosecution or retribution for his crimes.

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CORRUPTION

Corruption breeds more corruption. In Congo, politicians and civil servants erode law and justice. This corruption has a direct and powerful effect on economic growth and education, which are cornerstones of a healthy and vibrant society.

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EDUCATION

Congo suffers from high unemployment and education is of paramount importance.

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HUMAN RIGHTS

Congo is rated tier two. The most serious human rights abuse in the country is the illicit trafficking of women for prostitution and young boys as child soldiers. In a 2008 report, the UN concluded that "due to political interference and corruption, perpetrators, especially those who belong to the State security forces, go unpunished."

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POWER IT FORWARD

Do a favor, give someone a break, offer help before it's asked for. Move the world around you and it will continue to move. Paying it forward is good work, personal work. Pass it on. Tell others to do the same.

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REFUGEES

In the past few months, 30,000 refugees have streamed out of eastern Congo. They are fleeing a conflict that has killed 5.4 million people in the past decade. The violence has intensified in recent months. The atrocities being committed are of unimaginable brutality. Women are especially targeted. In some villages, 90% of women have been raped — most of them multiple times. The victims are girls as young as 3 years old and women of 75 — nobody is safe.

WATER

Despite its abundant water resources, Congo is one of the worst countries in Africa in terms of the availability of drinking water, according to government figures. Coverage in rural areas is 11 percent, against 52 percent in urban and semi-urban areas. Real drinking water needs in Brazzaville are 6,000 cubic meters an hour, a number that is not even close to being met.

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WOMEN’S RIGHTS

Congo is rated tier two. The most serious human rights abuse in the country is the illicit trafficking of women for prostitution. In 2008 report, the UN, reporting on violence against women concluded that "due to political interference and corruption, perpetrators, especially those who belong to the State security forces, go unpunished."

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