MP Joins Call for Justice in Congo

9.58.54am GMT Wed 10th Dec 2008

Tom Brake, Liberal Democrat MP for Carshalton and Wallington took part in a demonstration held by Amnesty International (AI) recently calling for Gordon Brown to take immediate action to stop the slaughter in the Congo. The demonstration was held just outside of Downing Street as the Prime Minister was on his way to Westminster for Question Time.

'Act now, Mr. Brown! Protect the people of the DRC!' chanted the crowd.

Amnesty International is calling on the British Government to commit specialist resources and equipment, such as intelligence personnel, helicopters and engineering experts, as well as using their voice and influence as a member of the UN Security Council, to encourage other states to urgently contribute troops to restore order and stability.

Mr. Brake, a member of Amnesty International for over 28 years, said, 'Unless Gordon Brown takes the necessary steps, the Congo will continue to be home to massive and horrific violence, much of which is directed at women and children. Human rights violations of the most gruesome and extreme nature are being committed on a daily basis in the Congo. It is the duty of Great Britain and the U.N. to do all they can to resolve the situation.'

Mr. Brake further expressed support for the goals outlined by AI in their open letter to Foreign Secretary David Miliband and Defence Secretary John Hutton, in which AI urged all parties involved to ensure that humanitarian aid agencies are not hindered in their work to provide aid to displaced people and called for the violence against women to end.