Action for DRC!
Urgent action for ROZA’s community!
Have you read the “comic book” or short graphic novel ‘Roza or The Courage to Choose Life‘? Roza tells the story of the resistance of Congolese communities to violent conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and how the Congolese people want to live in peace.
Since the printing of the comic, several communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s South Kivu region, including Roza’s, are currently experiencing a resurgence in violence. Villages are once again being pillaged, disrupting all the efforts of the men and women in the villages to mobilize and rebuild.
Moreover, it is the women and children who are bearing the brunt of the war in the DRC. Conscription of child soldiers, massacres and rapes have been taking place over and over again for years.
Break the silence, Take Action!
First of all you can help to break the silence that surrounds the Congo by posting the comic on Facebook and encouraging your friends to read it and spread the word.
Second ask the question: What is Canada doing to protect civilians, particularly women and children from the violence in the DR Congo?
1. Ask your Member of Parliament to read this graphic novel. Most MPs have a facebook profile – you can post it by Facebook or by mail and ask them to read it. Go to the web site of the Canadian Parliament, and enter your postal code to find the name and email addresses of your MP.
2. Encourage your MP to ask this question in the House of Commons: What is Canada doing to try to protect civilians from violence by the armed groups in the DRC?
3. Keep track of your communication with your MP and share the results of your action here on the Youth Blog or at justyouth@devp.org, as well as on Facebook. Some MPs even make short videos when they ask questions in the House; if so, you can invite them to share that video on their Facebook page and do the same yourself.
Here is a sample message you can send to your MP:
« Dear [Mr or Ms X],
As a [member/supporter] of Development and Peace , I have just read the attached cartoon, ‘Roza or the Courage to Choose Life‘. Roza tells the story of the resistance of Congolese communities to violent conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and how the Congolese people want to live in peace. The cartoon highlights how women and children are disproportionately targeted by the violence. I invite you to read Roza’s story for yourself.
Sadly, we have learned that since the cartoon was published, things have actually become worse for Roza’s community in South Kivu, as the violence has intensified rather than decreased.
Could you please ask this question in the House of Commons: What is Canada doing to protect civilians, particularly women and children from the violence in the DR Congo?
Thank you for your cooperation and support on this highly important issue. »
[Your name and your contact information],
Thank you for your act of solidarity with Congolese men and women!
A video message of thanks from Sr. Marie Bernard from the Justice and Peace Episcopal Commission in the Congo:
