World Vision Thanks Congress; Encourages New Congo Democracy to Manage Resources

Contact:Amy Parodi, 253-815-2386, 253-709-3190 cell, aparodi@worldvision.org; Brian Peterson, 407-445-6484, 407-491-2399 cell, bpeterso@worldvision.org; both with World Vision

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 /Standard Newswire/ -- More than a dozen humanitarian, faith- based and human rights organizations celebrated this weekend as the Senate unanimously passed a bill that provides desperately-needed funding to war- ravaged Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where more than 1,000 people die every day as a result of conflict, disease and malnutrition.

The bill allocates at least $52 million per year in 2006 and 2007 for U.S.-funded programs to provide humanitarian, security and democracy-building assistance in the DRC. It also recommends the appointment of a regional special envoy to help coordinate efforts to resolve the conflict, particularly in country's eastern region.

"Congress showed admirable bipartisanship and commitment to the Congo and we're grateful for their work in passing this bill," said Rory Anderson, World Vision's senior policy advisor for Africa. "At the same time, we urge the new DRC government to take advantage of this funding to better monitor its own rich resources. Aid cannot mask the need for good governance; the DRC has the resources not only to be self-sufficient, but to be a donor nation to its neighbors throughout Africa."

The Democratic Republic of Congo Relief, Security and Democracy Promotion Act (S. 2125) was introduced by Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL), with bipartisan support from Sens. Sam Brownback (R-KS), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Mike DeWine (R-OH) and Russell Feingold (D-WI).

The central African country is emerging from nearly a decade of violence and conflict, epidemic rape and sexual violence, poverty and economic exploitation. July 30, the DRC held its first democratic elections in 46 years.

World Vision has worked in the DRC since 1958, when it was known as the Belgian Congo. Currently, the organization conducts health, child protection and community development work.

In 2003, the DRC emerged from a five-year war over ethnic tensions that was exacerbated by the nation's rich natural resources. Countries including Rwanda and Uganda became engaged in the conflict, leading to the conflict's reputation as "Africa's World War." While the conflict officially ended in 2003, fighting continues in the eastern region of the country. As a result, more than 1,000 people die every day. Having already claimed nearly 4 million lives, the conflict is the deadliest since World War II.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.