**GAO-10-1030**                      Published: Sep 30, 2010. Publicly Released: Sep 30, 2010.                  

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## Highlights

Rich in minerals, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has long been the site of one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Since 1998, an estimated 5 million have died as a result of the conflict. GAO was asked to examine the connection between minerals trade and human rights abuses, and the efforts to help control the trade. This report assesses (1) how the key minerals are mined, transported, and processed; (2) the links between the minerals trade, armed conflicts, and human rights abuses; (3) measures the United States and the international community have taken to control the trade and; (4) challenges faced in controlling the trade. GAO reviewed and analyzed reports, memorandums, and other documents and interviewed officials from the Department of State (State), other United States agencies, the United Nations (UN), and foreign governments as well as representatives from nongovernmental organizations and industry.

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## Topics

International Affairs

Extractive industryForeign trade policiesHuman rights violationsInternational cooperationInternational economic relationsInternational trade regulationInternational trade restrictionMineral resourcesMiningNonprofit organizationsPrecious metalsTrade regulationTrade routes