Fighting Poverty in D.R. Congo
Living with lawlessness in rural Congo
The long and brutal conflict has caused massive suffering for civilians, with estimates of millions dead directly and indirectly as a result of the fighting. There have been frequent reports of weapon-bearers killing civilians, destroying property, committing widespread sexual violence, causing hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes or otherwise breaching humanitarian and human rights laws.
An estimated 200,000 women in the Congo have been raped. Not only do these women suffer the physical and psychological trauma of rape but they often suffer additional humilation and rejection by their own families and friends.
The legacy of lawlessness in eastern Congo
Following the years of lawlessness and the ongoing disruption, even now people in Congo are dying at alarming rates due to widespread disease and famine.
As a result of the total breakdown of any semblance of stability and the subsequent lack of infrastructure, children born in D.R.Congo today have:
- less than 80% chance of surviving to the age oif five years;
- more that 40% chance of being malnourished throughout their lives;
- only 50% chance of receiving any formal education;
- less than 15% chance of achieving a minimum level of literacy.
By the same token:
- One in three rural Congolese mothers die during pregnancy
- One in four of mothers die during childbirth.
We can and must help
There are good people, dedicated people who are working with limited means to help. There are:
- doctors and nurses;
- teachers;
- priests and nuns;
- locally formed Congolese charities;
- individuals determined to improve people's lives.
They are all doing their best to help those most in need, the mothers and children.
We can and must provide them with the means to continue their good work!
We can and must support those in greatest need! This is the only hope for the future.
Read more about how you can help.