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Briefing: Congo: Cell Phones, Conflict Trade, and the Worst Sexual Violence in the World

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Briefing: Congo: Cell Phones, Conflict Trade, and the Worst Sexual Violence in the World

Posted by Enough Team on May 3, 2010

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.