Monday 24 June marks the start of a major campaign for Congolese youth. The Congolese Action Youth Platform (CAYP) officially launched the Genocost campaign, an initiative to commemorate the Congolese genocide on 02 August each year. The campaign denounces the injustices and atrocities suffered by the Congolese people, particularly those in the east of the country, over several decades.
This year, the Genocost campaign is fortunate to have a renowned patron, Dr Debora Kayembe. A former rector of the University of Edinburgh and founder of the humanitarian organization Full Options Global, Dr Debora Kayembe is a respected and influential figure on the international scene. She will be speaking on behalf of millions of Congolese people on the theme of « dignity and justice ».
The Congolese genocide, often overlooked by the international community, is a deep wound in the history of the Congo. For decades, the east of the country has been plagued by incessant violence, massacres and forced population displacements. These atrocities have led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, affecting millions of people.
The Genocost campaign aims not only to commemorate the victims, but also to raise global awareness of the suffering endured by the Congolese people. By highlighting these injustices, CAYP hopes to mobilise public opinion and political decision-makers to put an end to this tragedy.
The choice of Dr Debora Kayembe as the campaign’s patron is particularly significant. Congolese and the first black person to be appointed rector of one of the UK’s most prestigious universities, she has devoted her life to the defence of human rights and social justice. Her commitment to the Congolese cause and her impressive career make her the ideal spokesperson for this campaign.
The Genocost campaign invites everyone to get involved and support this cause. Through events, conferences and awareness-raising activities, CAYP and its partners hope to mobilise broad international support. Young people in particular are encouraged to get involved and become ambassadors for peace and justice in the Congo.
The launch of the Genocost campaign on 24 June is a powerful appeal to the world’s conscience. Led by Dr Debora Kayembe, the initiative aims to honour the victims of the Congolese genocide and to fight for a future where dignity and justice are a reality for all Congolese. By joining forces, CAYP and Dr. Debora Kayembe hope to create a global movement capable of bringing about lasting and meaningful change.
