By J. J. Messner & Kendall Lawrence
24 June 2013
Congo, D.R.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has continued its climb on the FSI, slowly creeping up on Somalia’s claim to top place on the Index.
Throughout 2012, the DRC remained in political turmoil with a large rebel presence, known as M23, continuing to operate on its territory. The group, which has been accused of human rights abuses including random and indiscriminate attacks such as rape and torture on civilian populations, are alleged to have been receiving support from Uganda and Rwanda.
In addition to the M23 rebels, the poorly trained and equipped Congolese army has also been accused of perpetrating gross human rights violations against civilians, particularly in Eastern Congo. The continued instability in the DRC displaced thousands and created an ever-worsening humanitarian crisis in a country that never seems to get a break.
On top of the rampant violence that took place during 2012, DRC has faced outbreaks of disease, specifically Ebola and Cholera, with wholly inadequate medical facilities.
The DRC is classified as one of the worst countries for abuses against women with the eastern part of the country being dubbed ‘the rape capital of the world’. All forms of sexual violence, including acts perpetrated against children, are rampant in the DRC with a report by the American Medical Association stating that up to 40% of women in the eastern part of the country had reported having been raped in their lifetimes.
To access the full Failed States Index 2013: The Troubled Ten please follow the hyperlink.