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Today was a historic day for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The International Criminal Court has issued it's first verdict - guilty. Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, after a prolonged trial that began in 2009, has been convicted of abducting and recruiting child soldiers as young as 11 in the eastern Ituri region and using them to participate in armed conflict. Lubanga Dyilo has been accused of other atrocities, including abducting young girls and forcing them to serve as sex slaves. I have a teenage daughter and a ten year old son. I can't begin to imagine the agony those children and their parents have suffered. There are still others out there in Congo and in other countries who exploit children and use them as weapons. There are still thousands of child soldiers in this country. There is still much to be done, but today a step was taken in the right direction. Finally, the cycle of impunity may truly be breaking.
The Congo needs justice. She also needs healing. Pray for truth to prevail, for an end to impunity, for healing, hope and salvation.
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Great news, Nancy!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lord, for this victory over darkness.
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