Making a Difference in Eastern Congo

Ben Affleck is lending his efforts to the African nation of Congo by launching the new initiative.

The Academy Award winner has launched the Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI), which supports Congolese organizations that help survivors of rape and sexual violence, helps:
reintegrated child soldiers into their communities

increases access to health care and education

promotes economic opportunity

creates community-level peace and reconciliation programs.

"The situation in eastern Congo has been neglected for far too long -- it is one of the worst humanitarian tragedies in the world," said Affleck, who just returned from a five-day trip to the region.

He continues: "I brought together this unique collection of partners in order to bring their experience in humanitarian relief and sustainable development to bear as we focus like never before on local solutions to challenges in this region. Right now, the attention paid to this crisis doesn't match the needs of those affected by it. We will raise that attention level, and work with the extraordinary Congolese people who are making a positive difference in their own communities."