Crisis in Congo: a new approach is needed

The crisis in Congo is often known as the 'forgotten conflict', yet this war has killed over 5 million people. We need your help right now to help ensure the UN peacekeepers in Congo get a new strong mandate to protect civilians from violence. Please sign, and help us promote, Oxfam's petition to stop the killing in Congo. We will deliver the names to the UN Security Council on Wednesday, November 25, so this is the final push:

http://www.oxfam.org/en/emergencies/congo/stop-killing-in-congo

About the Crisis in Congo:

The Congolese military recently launched a military offensive in the east, with the goal to disarm a rebel militia (FDLR) by force. It is important that the rebels are disarmed, but this military strategy is doing more harm than good. The rebels are increasing attacks on civilians, and so are the poorly disciplined Congolese army who are looting villages and raping women.

For every FDLR combatant disarmed:

- 1 Congolese civilian has been killed - 7 women and girls raped - 6 houses burned and destroyed - 1,000 people forced to flee their homes.

Watch this video on the situation in Congo. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3cJbJcd104

This counterproductive strategy is being supported by the international community, and it puts UN peacekeepers in the preposterous situation where they are supporting an army that is attacking its own population, attacks which are contributing to a massive humanitarian catastrophe.

In the beginning of December the UN will be renewing the mandate of the peacekeeping force in Congo - MONUC. It is crucial that the UN peacekeepers in Congo have a strong mandate focused on protecting civilians from violence, not contributing to the escalating humanitarian crisis.

Oxfam and other organizations are calling for the international community to stop backing this disastrous military strategy. Please sign and promote our global petition which aims to pressure the UN Security Council to work with the government of Congo to pursue a political as well as a military solution and to ensure that the Congolese national army are disciplined, accountable and complying with their obligation to protect civilians.

Please take action, and spread the word in any way you can: http://www.oxfam.org/en/emergencies/congo/stop-killing-in-congo

Or join the Facebook Cause http://apps.facebook.com/causes/petitions/306

Fionna Smythe Conflict & Humanitarian Campaigner, Oxfam International

Joel M. Bassuk Web Manager, Oxfam International