The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, driven by armed conflict and the global demand for conflict minerals like cobalt and tantalum. As consumers, we unknowingly fuel this conflict through our purchases of electronics. This post explores the connection between conflict minerals, the humanitarian toll, and how we can all play a role in reducing the impact on the Congolese people.

The red handprint across the mouth has become a powerful symbol in the fight for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). Indigenous women in the U.S. and Canada face violence at shocking rates, with Native women being 10 times more likely to be murdered than the national average. This symbol not only honors those who have been silenced but serves as a call for justice, awareness, and action. By sharing their stories and supporting advocacy efforts, we can work together to end this tragic epidemic.

In both Gaza and the Democratic Republic of Congo, exploitation, violence, and human suffering have become interconnected through a global web of conflict. The struggles of these two regions may seem distant, but they are tied together through resource exploitation, military and technological dependencies, and the suffering of local populations. From the diamond trade in Congo to the siege and blockades in Gaza, the world’s actions ripple across borders, linking their stories in unexpected ways.