If you remember the movie 'Blood Diamond' and the controversy surrounding the gem and gold trade in conflict areas of Africa, then you may be shocked to know there could also be a deadly secret behind electronics you own. It's information all consumers should know.
There are children working in slave-like conditions caught on camera by the human rights group 'Enough Project'. According to these activists, the kids, as young as 10-years-old, are forced to mine minerals in conflict areas of Eastern Congo. It's dangerous, and there are no rules or regulations. Mine shaft collapses and children dying are common says activist Sasha Lezhnev who took some exclusive video.
"It really is shocking when you go out to eastern congo to see the mines," Lezhnev says.
They're not mining for diamonds. Kids and adults are harvesting tin, tantalum and tungsten-- critical components in cell phones, computers and laptops. According to advocacy groups, the profits from this high demand metal trade: Hundreds of millions of dollars-goes straight to warlords and armed militia groups in congo who fight over the mineral rich land. Sadia Hameed works for Raise Hope For Congo. She says, "In order to control the mineral resources they have been waging campaigns of violence against the surrounding communities committing atrocities that most of us cannot even imagine."
Former Congo resident Leontine Lanza doesn't have to imagine. She says she was assaulted just because she worked for the former president.
Militia groups use rape, genocide and murder as weapons. Experts estimate that more than 5.4 million people have been killed.
So what does the Consumer Electronics Association have to say about it? In a statement they say, 'Mining activities that fuel conflict are unacceptable'.
New U.S. regulatons will soon require electronics companies to audit and disclose their metal sources, eliminating conflict materials. However, the feds can't control congo mineral smugglers who mask the mineral origins.
Consumers can make a difference and save other lives by demanding electronics companies use only conflict free components.
The Consumer Electronics Association says the technology industry is committed to doing its part to ensure transparency and responsible sourcing. The Enough project ranked the top 21 electronics manufactuers showing which have take steps to use conflict free minerals.
By Stephanie Graham
http://upcomingongoing.blogspot.com/ http://tech-biz-buzz.blogspot.com/
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