Often we don’t think of the cost that minerals come with. Many aren’t luck enough to have the option

Within the heart of central Africa is where the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is situated. The country boasts a stunning backdrop of luscious landscapes and biodiversity. Its cultural and arts scene is dynamic and abundant with fantastical examples of the amazing feats of creativity that humans are capable of. Congolese art inspired the work of Picasso, and has made an impact on the global stage.

However, when most think of Congo, that is not the description that comes to mind.

Since the time of colonization, the people of the DCR have been subjected to inhumane levels of abuse and exploitation. Tragically, Congo’s past and present has seen little to no peace. 

Despite being inundated with vast reserves of natural resources from diamonds to gold and oil, because of its history of colonialism, resulting political and institutional instability, and foreign interests, Congo remains one of the poorest nations in the world.

The people of Congo continue to be failed by the world.

Children born in Congo today are only expected to achieve 37 percent of their full potential. Women have been subjected to extreme levels of gender-based violence and discrimination, and modern day slavery persists, perpetuated by greedy corporations, corrupt Congolese leaders and armed militia groups funded by those powers.

The DRC may seem worlds away from you and me, but the lives we live are, in part, fueled by their people’s suffering. For example, rechargeable batteries in our electronic devices are made from cobalt mined through the forced labor of men, women and children.

Global demands for minerals and resources such as copper, zinc and diamonds continue to be on the rise – and with that, so does the incentives of armed militia groups to continue disenfranchiseing the people of Congo through means such as weaponized sexual violence and terror on behalf of corrupt politicians and money-hungry corporations.

There is a lot going on in the world right now. Gaza. Ukraine. Sudan. Yemen. And the list goes on. It’s hard and downright depressing to have to keep up to date with all these conflicts and injustices, but we have to. As we’re in positions of privilege, we owe it to our people around the world to hear their stories and use them to insight change.

In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” It’s up to us to hold those in power accountable, and advocate on the behalf of those who can’t.