Your cell phone, Congo's misery

A new documentary film: 'Blood in the Mobile,' shows the horrific living and working conditions of miners in the Congo, labouring to produce a vital component for many of our mobile phones.

Actor and activist Robin Wright shows how the minerals in our cell phones also finance war. She recently traveled to eastern Congo with the Enough Project, a Washington-based group focused on ending genocide and crimes against humanity.

In Congo, militia groups and army factions control many mines, says Robin Wright. Minerals in these mines go into cell phones, laptops, digital cameras and other products. Congolese mine work is back-breaking, perilous and poorly paid. More than five million have died through war and hardships in the past decade

This film would make a useful resource for a discussion or Confirmation group. It raises the questions:

Which cell phone companies are faced with this issue? In this interconnected economy are mobile phones the only products associated with misery for those who provide materials? It is easier to look the other way. But are the any other responses?

For a preview of the CNN film go to: http://bloodinthemobile.org/