Humanitarian Crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing severe humanitarian crises, with rampant disease, violence against women and Christians, child labor in mines, and conflict over critical minerals. Various rebel groups and state actors contribute to the instability in the region.

Bombing at Refugee Camp in Eastern Congo

A bomb at a refugee camp in eastern Congo killed at least 5 people, including children, with the attack blamed on a rebel group. The region is known for its cobalt mining and ongoing humanitarian crises.

Legislation to Prevent Child Labor in Cobalt Mining for Green Energy

New legislation introduced by Rep. Chris Smith aims to prevent minerals key to green energy in the U.S. from being extracted with child labor in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly focusing on cobalt used in electric vehicle batteries sourced from the DRC. The bill seeks to block cobalt extracted with child or forced labor from entering the U.S. market, as Chinese companies dominate the cobalt supply chain and profit from unethical labor practices.