Human Rights Film Series presents Blood in the Mobile

6 December 2011

Mobile phones have become an integral part of our everyday lives; they have revolutionised the way we communicate with people, how information is exchanged and the speed at which it is done. A major part of the minerals used to produce mobile phones comes from illegal mines in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These minerals have contributed to fuelling a cycle of violence that has engulfed Zaire, now the DRC, since 1993 that has not yet abated. Over almost 20 years, the conflict in the DRC has taken more than 5 million lives and more than 300,000 women have been raped. By purchasing these minerals from the DRC, phone companies in Europe and other wealthy regions of the world are financing and perpetuating this conflict.

Blood in the Mobile is a documentary that depicts the connection between our mobile phones and the conflict in the DRC. This is an alarming and thought-provoking documentary that begs for our attention and reflection.

The film will be introduced by Professor Mary Footer, Head of HRLC’s Business, Trade and Human Rights Unit. Professor Footer’s research investigates human rights issues related to the sourcing of minerals and responsible supply chain management, as well as international and regional responses in seeking to deal with the problems outlined in the film.
Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQhlLuBwOtE&feature=player_embedded