Actress Thandie Newton is lending her support to a range of cultural and campaigning events taking place this week to mark the 50th anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s independence from Belgium.

Congo Now! a campaign group that aims to create a greater public awareness of the DRC’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, is using today’s anniversary to launch a series of events that aim to celebrate the rich creativity of the Congolese people and raise awareness of the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the east of Congo.

The campaign, which is backed by more than 30 non-governmental organisations, is calling on the Government to revitalise its commitment to end the violence and the suffering of civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

A highlight of the week is the launch of an e-petition calling on Prime Minister David Cameron to do more to protect Congolese civilians from violence and suffering.

Other events taking place this week include a Parliamentary roundtable discussion, a run in support of Congo’s women in Regent’s Park and a talk by activist Sam Roddick.

Film star Thandie, a key supporter of Congo Now, said: “2010 is the anniversary of 50 years of independence for the Democratic Republic of Congo – but isn’t it time now that Congolese people were truly free?

“Free from the violence of the conflict and free from unnecessary poverty when surrounded by such enormous natural wealth.

“I really hope that people take note of what is happening in Congo and that the British Government redoubles its efforts to create a safe and dignified future for the Congolese people.”

Labour MP Eric Joyce, a Congo Now! spokesperson, said: “Today sees Congo marking 50 years of independence, but for many in the eastern parts of Congo, there is little to celebrate.

“Some two million people are unable to go home as a result of the conflict, with rape and violence daily threats.

“It is tragic that this conflict has been forgotten for so long. We are calling on our politicians to mark this anniversary by doing more to help build a Congo free of violence.”

Congo Now! said an estimated 5.4 million had died in DRC from the effects of the conflict and more than 9,000 people were raped in the Kivu provinces of eastern Congo last year.

The UK Government is currently the largest bilateral donor to the DRC, with a commitment of £130 million for 2010.

However, Congo Now! is calling on the UK to maintain its funding and strengthen its political efforts on the DRC.

In particular it is calling on the UK to stop natural resources fuelling the conflict in DRC by adopting legislation to ensure that materials purchased by UK companies neither finance armed groups nor contribute to human rights abuses.

It also wants the Government to do more to protect civilians from violence; promote non-military and regional solutions to the conflict and address the devastating causes and consequences of conflict and sexual violence, particularly for women and children.

For more information about the campaign, to sign the e-petition or for further details of events visit www.congonow.org.

From Community Newswire