It’s a tough connection to make; how can your shiny new gadget be linked to violence in the Congo, including rape that fuels the spread of HIV/AIDS?
Your favorite electronics contain minerals like tin that most often come from conflict zones. As the vid below points out, it turns out that Macs and PCs have something in common after all.
Controlling resources used to produce most major tech products is a lucrative business. Armed groups in the Congo use rape, violence, and murder to instill fear in civilians and control mines and trading routes. They make hundreds of millions each year selling the tin, tungsten, and tantalum they collect to electronics companies.
As consumers and voters, we DO have the power to help stop this! Without your vote, politicians don’t get elected. Without your money, electronics companies don’t make any.
According to John Prendergast, human rights activist and co-founder of the Enough Project,
- "A year ago most members of Congress hadn't even heard of conflict minerals. In the middle of a turbulent legislative calendar, activists all over the country were heard loudly and clearly: We demand conflict-free products and we expect our legislators to do all they can to ensure that."
Here’s what you can do right now:
1) Let your favorite electronics company know that you like their products and will gladly buy them again once they stop using conflict minerals. Take the pledge to be part of the solution here.
2) Fill out this quick form to ask your representatives to support the Congo Conflict Minerals Act of 2009. If passed, we’ll be able to hold companies accountable for their supply chains. Kudos to the Senate for already giving it a thumbs up.
3) Tell someone! Real change happens when enough people demand it. Send a tweet, post an update, pass it on.
Learn more about how minerals fuel conflict in the Congo at www.raisehopeforcongo.org.
