Sexual Violence Tied to Conflict Minerals in Easte
The Democratic Republic of Congo, like many of its neighboring countries, is rich in mineral resources, including copper, tin, gold, and diamonds. But despite its mineral wealth, the
Last year the Extractive Industries Transparency Disclosure Act was introduced in the U.S. Congress to require companies to publicly disclose all payments made to the governments of countries where oil, gas, and minerals originate, creating more transparency in the trade of natural resources and allowing shareholders to make more informed decisions when investing. Other governments have taken similar steps towards increasing accountability for African mineral sellers. The German government is experimenting with a tracking system that “fingerprints” tin, allowing buyers to identify whether the metal was extracted from legitimate mining sites or from war zones. House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank, who introduced the
Compiled from: Soguel, Dominique, “Mining Interests Tied to Rape Impunity in Congo,” Women’s eNews Inc. (3 June 2009); Soguel, Dominique, “Rape Crisis in East Congo Tied to Mining Activity,” Women’s eNews Inc. (1 June 2009); “Frank Introduces Extractive Industries Transparency Disclosure Act,” House Committee on Financial Services (15 May 2008).
For More Information
Please see the Sexual Assault During Armed Conflict section of this website and the What’s New articles “Sexual Violence Worsens in Eastern Congo” (27 May 2009) and “Continuing Brutality and Violence Against Women and Girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo” (4 May 2009).
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