Modern Day slavery taking place in the DRC

Within the Democratic Republic of the Congo resources ideally used by industrialized nations that channel modernity are commonly found in Congolese mines. Knowing this, the country thrives off of modern slave work done by both adult citizens and children. The minerals used to make phones, computers, cars, and even medical devices, were gathered by hungry, aching Congolese workers. This case of modern day slavery is what powers the rechargeable battery market.

“Other gaps remain, including a lack of enforcement personnel, insufficient training for enforcement personnel, limited financial resources, and poor coordination of government efforts to address child labor.” stated the U.S. Department of Labor in a report on their findings of child labor reports.

 Militias round up self-minding folk in villages and force them into work. Children in The Congo are subjected to the worst forms of child labor. The Congo has made moderate advances to eliminate the worst forms of child labor but has failed to take the proper measures to assure that children are not inappropriately incarcerated, harmed, or penalized for unlawful acts solely being the result of child enslavement. In addition to  child labor, mothers are forced to work with their children on their backs causing the youth to breathe in toxic particles that raise major health issues.

“Armed conflict and weak government allow slavery to flourish in eastern Congo,” stated the organization, Free the Slaves.

The mineral resources give the Congo’s economy the opportunity to grow and change for the better, but the country insists on enslaving.

“People are enslaved to pay off household or business debts. Money, food, or tools are advanced to laborers, but phony accounting and abusive interest rates prevent them from repaying the debt. Miners are forced to keep digging.” said the organization.

Alongside the slavery happening in the mines, women are being abducted, raped, and forced in to marriages with a man. These forceful marriages are seen as a culture/tradition to many, though the women are not consenting. If a majority of women are against it, and it is a male ruled tradition, is it a tradition worth pursuing and allowing? Marriage is commonly seen as the foundation of a family. In the Congo, brides see marriage as slavery. Some marriages involve kidnapping, rape, and obvious assault, while some marriages are organized and planned by the father of the bride. The women cannot escape, pursue their dreams, live independently and oftentimes rarely see their family ever again. Women in this country are considered weak in an environment essentially run by men.

To avoid this enslavement, government officials will have to set examples for their people. Citizens and allies would have to help spread awareness of their countries' issues and help teach others to recognize slavery in order to defeat it.