Demand a Fair Trade Cell Phone: Unveiling the Hidden Cost of Technology

Imagine a world without your mobile phone. It connects you to loved ones, provides instant access to information, and has revolutionized communication. But what if this essential device carried a hidden cost – one fueled by conflict and human suffering?

The Bloody Trail of Tantalum

The uncomfortable truth is that the minerals powering our phones, particularly tantalum, often originate from conflict zones like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Tantalum, extracted as coltan, is vital for storing energy in our devices due to its anti-corrosive and heat-conducting properties. This seemingly innocuous mineral has become a key factor in a devastating cycle of violence.

The Human Cost

Since 1996, over 5 million people have died in the DRC due to conflicts fueled, in part, by the demand for coltan. Armed groups control mines, exploiting the land and its people. Rape is used as a weapon of war, and children are forced into armed groups, perpetuating a cycle of violence and instability. Despite the DRC's estimated $24 trillion in mineral wealth, its people continue to suffer from extreme poverty and health crises.

• Over 5 million deaths since 1996
• Widespread rape and torture
• 30,000 children enlisted in armed groups
• Devastating impact on health and poverty

The Technology Paradox

The irony is stark: the very technology that connects us and brings awareness to these issues is also driving the conflict. Mobile phones have become powerful tools for political freedom, enabling communication, organizing, and documenting injustices. During elections, citizens can report polling station activity, and the diaspora can unite to challenge undemocratic outcomes. Yet, the demand for the minerals within these devices fuels unimaginable suffering.

Towards Fair Trade Phones

So, what can be done? The answer lies in demanding fair trade phones. We advocate for ethical sourcing and transparency in the supply chain. While there isn't a perfect solution yet, progress is being made.

Steps Towards Change:

• Legislation: The US and UK have introduced legislation to target misconduct in the Congo.
• Corporate Responsibility: Companies like Nokia are developing policies for sourcing minerals responsibly.
• Consumer Activism: Campaigns are emerging on university campuses and online, urging companies like Apple to create conflict-free iPhones.

The Power of Demand

We demand fair trade food and fair trade clothing. It's time to extend this demand to our phones. By putting pressure on phone companies to change their sourcing processes, we can help break the link between technology and suffering. We can harness the power of communication for good, ensuring that our interconnected world doesn't come at the expense of human lives.

A Call to Action

Don't throw away your phone. Instead, use it as a tool for change. Demand transparency, support ethical sourcing, and advocate for policies that protect the people of the Congo. Let's work together to create a future where technology empowers, rather than exploits, and where the price of progress isn't paid in human lives.