Good Shepherd supports efforts on Child Labour in the Congo
Good Shepherd ANZ Media Release
24 February 2022
Good Shepherd supports efforts on Child Labour in the Congo after Foreign Correspondent story
Following tonight’s screening of Foreign Correspondent on ABC TV, Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand is calling for support in dealing with major human rights and child labour issues around cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The story from reporter Michael Davie told how the Good Shepherd International Foundation and Bon Pasteur Kolwezi have rescued more than 4000 children from horrific child labour conditions in cobalt mines to attend a school they built themselves, thanks to a community development program that integrates education, social protection and alternative livelihoods for the families.
Cobalt is a key component for batteries that power smartphones, electric vehicles, and many other clean technology products. Last year around 70% of the world’s cobalt supply was mined in Congo.
Good Shepherd CEO Stella Avramopoulos said that the plight of women, girls and families in Congo is a major humanitarian concern.
“Women, girls and tens of thousands of children are forced to work in cobalt mines, in unsafe and unhealthy conditions in the Congo,” Ms. Avramopoulos said.
“That is why the work of the Good Shepherd International Foundation to break the cycle of abuse and violence, to promote education and protect human and children’s rights is so important.”
To help support the Good Shepherd Sisters in the Congo to stop child labour in cobalt mining, please donate to https://congo.gsif.it/
For more information or for media comment please contact Shannon Gill on 0418 162 761.