Congo Week is taking place this year from October 18-24th.  The purpose of Congo Week every year is to raise global consciousness about the situation in the Congo and advocate for peace, justice and human dignity in partnership with the Congolese people.

First started in 2008, and now celebrated around the world, Congo Week honors the millions of lives lost in the Congo conflict while recognizing the resilience, dignity, and potential of the Congolese people. This year’s theme is sovereignty:  The Congolese people’s dignified pursuit to control their land, resources, wealth, data and ultimately their affairs.

Feel free to read the 15 books selected to represent a few issues related to this year’s theme in the book display across from the front desk of the library.  Or have a look at these handy PDFs for a primer:

• Basic Facts on the Congo
• 10 Reason Why Congo Matters
• Mineral and Elements in the Democratic Republic of Congo
• Coltan and the Congo
• Women of the Congo, their stories

Either way, be sure to join any and every opportunity offered to examine the global forces shaping the DRC and their implications for law, human rights, and social justice.  Because law’s promise of justice for all is often best understood by examining where it falls short, our role in why that may be the case, and what it would take to close that gap for everyone.

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