Nov 27 – Day of Action to Alleviate Human Suffering in the Eastern DR Congo
The Africa Canada Accountability Coalition, which was recently founded by UBC students, is planning a day of action on November 27, 2008.
The goal is to raise awareness about the conflict in the DRC and to ask the Canadian government to act and alleviate human suffering in the region.
Here’s the lowdown on why the conflict should matter to Canadians (from ACAC’s facebook group):
The biggest war since World War II, over 5 million dead tens of thousands raped. It is estimated that 75% of all rape occurs in the DR Congo.
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/11/congos_crisis_worsens.html
Why you should care
Canada is the largest non-African mining investor in the DR Congo. We have been asked three times to lead an intervention by the United Nations and have said no. As of November 6, 2008 the Canadian International Development Agency’s aid was reduced from $33 million in 06/07 to 23.4 million in 08/09.
The Day of Action is happening this Thursday. Here’s the schedule (also on facebook):
Part 1 – flash protest to raise awareness and spread the word. 10:55 AM. Location TBA. Email acac.drcongo@gmail.com to get involved.
Part 2 – Rally. 11:30 – 2:30. Location: SUB’s South Side Lounge. Speeches from the Congolese community, performances, music, videos, petition signing, and information booths
They have invited MPs, the media, and UBC’s administration. Representatives of the Vancouver Congolese community, ACAC, CIAI, and UBC clubs will be attending.
And some other ways you can help:
Visit www.acacdrcong.org and
1) sign the online petition
2) send a letter to your local MP
3) download the “take action package” and give two minute presentations in your classroom about whats happening.
If all of us at UBC support ACAC’s message and the Day of Action, we have the numbers to send a powerful message to the Canadian government and to make a difference.
