Author: Solid Snake

A strong man doesn't need to read the future, he makes his own.
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Belgians In the Congo

King Leopold II of Belgium ruled the Congo Free State from 1885 to 1908, and his reign is marked by extreme brutality and exploitation. Here’s a detailed overview of his involvement in the Congo:

Acquisition of the Congo

  • Berlin Conference (1884-1885): King Leopold II secured international recognition of his personal control over the Congo during this conference, which regulated European colonization and trade in Africa.
  • Congo Free State: Unlike other colonies, the Congo was not a Belgian state colony but rather Leopold’s private property.

Exploitation and Brutality

  • Rubber and Ivory: The main economic activities involved the extraction of rubber and ivory. The demand for rubber, driven by the invention of the pneumatic tire, led to severe exploitation.
  • Forced Labor: The Congolese were forced into labor to harvest rubber and gather ivory. Failure to meet quotas often resulted in brutal punishment.
  • Atrocities: Widespread atrocities were committed, including mutilation, killings, and taking hostages. Reports documented that hands were cut off as proof that bullets had not been wasted, a method used to enforce terror and compliance.
  • Population Decline: It is estimated that the population of the Congo decreased by millions during Leopold’s rule due to the harsh conditions, violence, and diseases exacerbated by exploitation.

International Outcry and Reform

  • Casement Report (1904): British consul Roger Casement’s report on the abuses in the Congo brought international attention to the human rights violations.
  • E.D. Morel: A British journalist and activist, Morel campaigned against the atrocities, founding the Congo Reform Association.
  • Literary Works: Writers like Joseph Conrad (“Heart of Darkness”) and Mark Twain (“King Leopold’s Soliloquy”) criticized the exploitation and helped raise awareness.

Transfer to Belgium

  • Annexation (1908): Due to international pressure and domestic outcry in Belgium, the Belgian government took control of the Congo from Leopold, renaming it the Belgian Congo. This transfer marked the end of Leopold’s personal rule but did not immediately end the exploitation and mistreatment of the Congolese people.

Legacy

  • Long-term Impact: The exploitation and brutal practices under Leopold’s rule had long-lasting effects on the Congo’s social, economic, and political structures.
  • Modern Perspectives: Today, Leopold II’s legacy is widely condemned, and his rule is often cited as one of the most egregious examples of colonial exploitation and human rights abuses.

King Leopold II’s rule over the Congo Free State remains a stark reminder of the devastating impacts of colonialism and the lengths to which individuals and nations went for economic gain at the expense of human lives and dignity.

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Delirium: UNICEF

UNICEF stands for the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. It is a United Nations agency that provides humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers in developing countries. UNICEF works to improve the health, nutrition, education, and protection of children worldwide.

The future of children depends on various factors, including access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and a safe and supportive environment. With the right support and resources, children have the potential to thrive and contribute positively to society. However, there are also challenges that need to be addressed to ensure a bright future for children. These include poverty, conflict, discrimination, and lack of access to quality education and healthcare. It is important for governments, organizations, and communities to work together to create a better future for children by investing in their well-being and providing them with the opportunities they need to succeed. Ultimately, the future of children will be shaped by the actions we take today to prioritize their needs and ensure they have the support and resources they need to reach their full potential. By investing in children and prioritizing their well-being, we can create a better future for all.

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Environmental Disaster

An environmental disaster is a catastrophic event that causes significant damage to the environment, ecosystems, and human health. Examples of environmental disasters include oil spills, chemical leaks, deforestation, natural disasters such as hurricanes and tsunamis, and nuclear accidents. These disasters can have wide-ranging and long-lasting effects on the environment, including pollution of water and air, destruction of habitats, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of soil and water sources. They can also have serious implications for human health, leading to respiratory problems, waterborne diseases, and other health issues. Preventing environmental disasters requires proactive measures such as proper waste management, sustainable land use practices, and emergency preparedness planning. When disasters do occur, it is important to respond quickly and effectively to minimize their impact and restore the affected areas as much as possible.

Ecocide is the extensive damage, destruction, or loss of ecosystems and natural resources due to human activities. It is considered a severe form of environmental degradation and can have long-lasting and far-reaching consequences for both the environment and human populations. Examples of ecocide include deforestation, oil spills, and pollution of waterways. Some activists and legal experts have called for the recognition of ecocide as a crime under international law.

Leonardo DiCaprio has been involved with the United Nations for several years, particularly in the realm of environmental conservation and climate change. In 2016, he was designated as a UN Messenger of Peace with a focus on climate change issues. DiCaprio has also spoken at various UN events, including the UN Climate Summit and the signing of the Paris Agreement. He has used his platform as a celebrity to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and taking action to address climate change.