UN Operations In Congo: A Dangerous Strategy

Compared with the energy and awareness surrounding the genocide in Darfur, the crisis in Congo is often known as the "forgotten conflict" -- despite the fact that over five million people have been killed since the war began 1998.

After a brief flurry of headlines last year, the crisis has received little media attention. Meanwhile, the situation in Congo has only grown worse, especially for women and girls, who are the victims of mass rapes and mutilation.

This December, an IRIN article reports that the United Nations will be renewing its mandate of the peacekeeping force with the aim of disarming the rebel militia. Unfortunately, efforts by the UN force are reportedly doing more harm than good. Not only are the rebels attacking civilians, the poorly disciplined Congolese army is looting villages and raping women.

Despite claims that it is focused on protecting civilians, the UN is clearly putting its peacekeepers in a situation where they are supporting an army that is attacking its own population, and contributing to a massive humanitarian catastrophe.

Eighty-four humanitarian and human rights groups have teamed up to form the Congo Advocacy Coalition, which is speaking out against the UN decision. In a bleak calculation by this coalition, for every rebel combatant disarmed during the operation:

• One civilian has been killed
• Seven women and girls have been raped
• Six houses burned and destroyed
• 900,000 people have been forced to flee their homes

Additionally, Oxfam International has reported that sexual violence has grown even more brutal in areas affected by the Kimia II operation.

"We're seeing more cases of mutilation, extreme violence, and torture in sexual violence cases against women and girls, and many more of the victims are children," said Immaculée Birhaheka of Promotion et Appui aux Initiatives Féminines (PAIF).

Oxfam and other organizations are calling for the international community to stop backing the UN strategy.  Sign their global petition here on Change.org to demand that the UN stops supporting the Kimia II operation in East Congo.

You can learn more by watching this film:

Photo credit: Oxfam International