April 17th meeting: Women's Campaign for DRC

htion's Human Rights Committee in partnership with the N.Y. Society for Ethical Culture sponsored an evening forum, entitled "Woman and Child Crossing: Caution - Lives at Risk". A keynote speaker, Ms. Aningena Tshefu Bibiane, representing the Congolese Woman's Campaign Against Sexual Violence, spoke with great passion of the daily atrocities being committed against women and children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She told of the heroic efforts being carried out by Dr. Mukwege as he performs six to eight surgeries daily on women and children that have been brutally violated by soldiers and officials; these individuals continue to enjoy impunity, which compounds the injustices. Ms. Bibiane's campaign here in the States is to bring this reality to the attention of all, and ask for financial aid to meet the needs of the victims both in body and spirit. Her organization is attempting, through the agencies of many working in the Congo, to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. This, of course, is a mammoth challenge as one views the history of this country, and the indifference of nation states. Ms. Bibiane's appeal was well received, and we can only hope that many in attendance this evening, will respond positively. Ourselves included!