5.4 Million Congolese Killed in Last Decade

5.4 Million Congolese Killed in Last Decade

By Meryl White
Impunity Watch Reporter, Western and Central Africa

KINSHASA, Congo – In the past ten years, more than 45,000 Congolese are killed each month by war, disease, and malnutrition. In total, the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has cost the lives of over 5.4 million victims. According the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the war in DRC between the years of 1998- 2003 has resulted in more deaths than any other conflict following World War II.

Even though the civil war formally ended 5 years ago, “ongoing strife and poverty continue to take a staggering toll” on the welfare and livelihood of the nation. Presently, diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia and malnutrition, are causing the Congolese people to die at such a staggering rate.

Richard Brennan, IRC Director of Global Health Programs stated that “most of the deaths are due to easily treatable and preventable diseases through the collapse of health systems and the disruption of livelihoods.” Humanitarian workers estimate that around 1,000 people die a day in DRC.

Relief can come through stronger assistance from the international community. The IRC has called for security reforms, and increased spending on basic health services. Moreover, the government would fare better with increased spending and monetary assistance to support the 17,000-strong United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo.

Presently, the displaced people of the DRC just want peace. Domina Maniriho,a 37-year-old mother of six and a resident of the Mugunga, displaced persons’ camp was quoted as saying “We eagerly wait for the guns to fall silent, for Laurent Nkunda’s [forces] to give up their arms and we will return to our homes.”

On Monday, Congo reached an agreement with Nkunda to bring peace to the DRC. Rebel troops have promised to withdraw from some of their positions to make way for UN peacekeeping forces.

For more information, please see:

MSNBC- Congo conflict claims 5 million lives in 10 years  – 22 January 2007

All Africa – Congo-Kinshasa: The Displaced Just Want Peace    – 22 January 2007

The Age – Congo Strikes Truce with Army Rebels  – 22 January 2007

BRIEF: Turkey Bans YouTube

Turkey banned the popular video sharing site for the second time because of content that insulted Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.  Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was the founder of modern Turkey and disrespectful comments towards the national hero are restricted in Turkey similarly to how insulting Turkishness is prohibited by Article 301 of the Turkish penal code.

In March 2007, Turkey enacted a similar ban on YouTube because of content that had insulted Atatürk.  The ban was removed after YouTube lifted the videos that insulted Atatürk.  However, it not known whether the ban on YouTube will be removed immediately again or not.

The ban on YouTube by Turkey is the latest expression by the Turkish government’s regarding its control on the media.  The government has significant discretion to monitor free expression of speech through Article 301 and uses its power whenever it deems necessary, which could pose a concern for journalists reporting incidents contrary to the government’s interest.

For more information, please see:

AP – Turkey Bans YouTube for Second Time- 20 January 2008

Jurist- Turkish court reimposes YouTube ban for offensive content- 20 January 2008

The New Anatolian- Turkish court again bans YouTube access, causes international uproar- 22 January 2008

Help Arrives in Somalia as Crisis Spreads

By Myriam Clerge
Impunity Watch Reporter, Eastern and Southern Africa

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Heavy attacks continue between insurgents and government soldiers, backed by Ethiopian forces. From Wednesday night to Thursday morning, at least 25 people were killed and more than 100 wounded when Ethiopians launched a major offensive against insurgents. The move was triggered by an Islamist insurgent attack on a military convoy that killed five Ethiopian and Somali soldiers.

Ethiopians acted quickly out of fear the bodies would be dragged in the streets. In November 2007, the bodies of two Ethiopian soldiers were dragged through the streets of Mogadishu, as a large group cheers and celebrated behind.

Mogadishu has been a battle ground since the ousting of the Islamist Ruling court and the entrance of Ethiopian troops into Somalia in January 2007.

The major battles and clashes have taken place near the Bakara market, however the African Union (AU) warned that opposing forces have expanded their insurgent activities to areas that were previously peaceful and could be planning attacks in the Middle and Lower Juba regions. According to a report by AU Commission Chairman Alpha Konar, the insurgents are taking advantage of the instability and the government’s inability to deploy troops in all regions.

Neighboring African nations have taken the initiative to offer assistance. The first battalion of 210 Burundian soldiers has been deployed to Somalia. Another 850 soldiers are ready to go and awaiting equipment. In total, 1,700 Burundian soldiers are expected to be deployed. 1,600 Ugandan soldiers have been in Mogadishu since March. The African Union peacekeeping force is expected to ultimately number 8,000 soldiers.

For more information please see:

AllAfrica.com- Somalia- Anti-Government Activities Spreading, Warns AU – 21 January 2008

Yahoo News- Final Burundi Peace-Keepers Leave for Somalia- Spokesman – 20 January 2008

BBC- Doctors Struggle to Treat Somalis – 18 January 2008

AllAfrica.com – Somalia- Heavy Battles in Mogadishu Kill 20, Wound 90 – 17 January 2008

US Recommends More Pressure on Myanmar

By Juliana Chan
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

HANOI, Vietnam – During a visit to Vietnam, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Scot Marciel said that Myanmar is going “downhill on all fronts.” Mr. Marciel is urging regional neighbors to pressure Myanmar’s military government for reform in all arenas.

Mr. Marciel said our emphasis should not solely be focused on human rights and democracy. The problem is beyond just that. “The economy is going downhill, the education system is getting ruined. The health care system isn’t functioning […with] more cases of resistant strains of tuberculosis and malaria. You’ve got refugee flows out of Burma. It’s just a whole series of problems.”

The regime’s crackdown last September on peaceful protests led by Buddhist monks has triggered tighter Western sanctions, mounting international criticism, and pressure on the government that is centered mainly on human rights and democratic reforms. The United Nations says at least 31 people were killed during the suppression and 74 people remain missing.

Urging all regional neighbors to push for change, Mr. Marciel said he had spoken to officials in Tokyo, Phnom Penh, and Hanoi, and plans to speak to officials in Bangkok and Vientiane soon. He added that the international community must keep up the pressure on Myanmar.

Mr. Marciel said that although the junta took a few steps forward early on, no progress has been made since the government allowed a UN mediator to visit after the September crackdown. In his opinion, there is no easy solution. Change in Myanmar is “not really going to happen and can’t really happen under this regime.” Myanmar must first address the problems and root causes that led to the protests and violence in September.

Furthermore, he suggested further talks with the opposition because “taking Aung San Suu Kyi away from house arrest once every two months for an hour meeting isn’t a dialogue.”

For more information, please see:

AFP – Myanmar going ‘downhill on all fronts,’ says US – 21 January 2008

Voice of America – EU: UN Envoy Should Return to Burma to Seek Aung San Suu Kyi’s Freedom – 19 January 2008

AP – US Says More Pressure Needed on Myanmar – 21 January 2008

US Recommends More Pressure on Myanmar

By Juliana Chan
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

HANOI, Vietnam – During a visit to Vietnam, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Scot Marciel said that Myanmar is going “downhill on all fronts.” Mr. Marciel is urging regional neighbors to pressure Myanmar’s military government for reform in all arenas.

Mr. Marciel said our emphasis should not solely be focused on human rights and democracy. The problem is beyond just that. “The economy is going downhill, the education system is getting ruined. The health care system isn’t functioning […with] more cases of resistant strains of tuberculosis and malaria. You’ve got refugee flows out of Burma. It’s just a whole series of problems.”

The regime’s crackdown last September on peaceful protests led by Buddhist monks has triggered tighter Western sanctions, mounting international criticism, and pressure on the government that is centered mainly on human rights and democratic reforms. The United Nations says at least 31 people were killed during the suppression and 74 people remain missing.

Urging all regional neighbors to push for change, Mr. Marciel said he had spoken to officials in Tokyo, Phnom Penh, and Hanoi, and plans to speak to officials in Bangkok and Vientiane soon. He added that the international community must keep up the pressure on Myanmar.

Mr. Marciel said that although the junta took a few steps forward early on, no progress has been made since the government allowed a UN mediator to visit after the September crackdown. In his opinion, there is no easy solution. Change in Myanmar is “not really going to happen and can’t really happen under this regime.” Myanmar must first address the problems and root causes that led to the protests and violence in September.

Furthermore, he suggested further talks with the opposition because “taking Aung San Suu Kyi away from house arrest once every two months for an hour meeting isn’t a dialogue.”

For more information, please see:

AFP – Myanmar going ‘downhill on all fronts,’ says US – 21 January 2008

Voice of America – EU: UN Envoy Should Return to Burma to Seek Aung San Suu Kyi’s Freedom – 19 January 2008

AP – US Says More Pressure Needed on Myanmar – 21 January 2008