DR Congo conflict minerals: AFJN submits a statement for the record to US House Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade
May 9, 2012
On February 13, my colleague and I returned from a three week research trip in DRC on the effect of Dodd-Frank 1502, specifically on artisanal miners. We visited the Mukera gold mine located in Fizi Territory/South Kivu province and held a town hall meeting with artisanal miners and leaders of the community. We also met with civil society leaders and artisanal miners in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. They asked us to deliver their message to US Congress and others who have been vocal on their behalf.
US Foreign policy: Attempt to repeal Congo Conflict Mineral law meets the strongest opposition
Posted on May 13, 2012
On May 10, the International Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee of the Financial Services Committee of the US House of Representatives held a hearing entitled “The Costs and Consequences of Dodd-Frank Section 1502: Impacts on America and the Congo”. Since the signing into law in 2010 of Dodd-Frank Wall Street Financial Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not released the rules which will govern section 1520, a provision on imports of conflict minerals from the war zone in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
During the hearing, Representatives Carolyn McCarthy, NY, Gwen Moore, WI, David Scott, GA, Jim McDermott, WA and André Carson, IN echoed these words of Representative Waters (watch video here): “American investors have a right to know if their money is being used to support rape, murder, human trafficking, or other gross violations of basic human rights.” The subcommittee Chairman, Representative Gary G. Miller, CA questioned the effectiveness of Dodd-Frank 1502, clearly taking the side of the companies that have for 16 years profited from the illicit conflict mineral trade that has been financing the conflict in eastern Congo.
AFJN Protests William Penn University Hosting Paul Kagame
Posted May 11, 2012
AFJN, in coalition with 8 other organizations, is protesting William Penn University's decision to honor Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, by having him deliver their commencement address and continuing to partner with him and the Rwandan government. The President of the United States has long recognized that Rwanda is not a democracy, and many organizations have pushed for a more open, transparent government in Rwanda. As a university founded on the Quaker principles of peace, community, and equality, the coalition believes it is misguided to promote and partner with a former warlord and head of a repressive political regime.
Read more: AFJN Protests William Penn University Hosting Paul Kagame
