FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Jonathan Hutson, [email protected]
202-386-1618
The conflict in eastern Congo is being fueled by a multi-million dollar trade in minerals essential to our electronic products. Over five million people have died as a result, and hundreds of thousands of women have been raped over the past decade. The armed groups perpetuating the violence generate an estimated $183 million each year by trading in four main minerals — tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold. Learn about current legislative efforts that begin to address the violence in Congo.
There will be a press availability outside the Senate Finance Committee Room from 3:15-3:30 p.m.
WHAT: Press Availability on Congo: Cell Phones, Conflict Minerals, and the Worst Sexual Violence in the World.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 5, 3:15-3:30 p.m. Eastern.
WHERE: Outside the Senate Finance Committee Room, Dirksen Senate Office Building, 2nd Floor
SPEAKERS:
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR)
U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS)
U.S. Representative Jim McDermott (D-WA)
Lisa Shannon, Founder of Run for Congo Women and author: A Thousand Sisters
Dominique Bikaba, Congolese Advocate
John Prendergast, Co-founder of the Enough Project at Center for American Progress
A staff briefing will take place in the Senate Finance Committee Room from 3:30-4:30 p.m. This event is CLOSED TO THE PRESS.