Ben Affleck says he's filmed a TV report on the mounting central African humanitarian crisis to raise awareness about a conflict that has claimed the lives of four million people, with most deaths resulting from either starvation or pestilence. The crisis began in 1994 with an influx of refugees from neighboring countries.
In his third trip to the region in the past year, Affleck visited hospitals, refugee camps, and met with regional warlords. "My plan has been to explore, watch, listen and find those doing the best work with - and on behalf of - the people of the DRC." His aim is to "give exposure to voices which might not otherwise be heard."
Affleck financed the trip entirely on his own, noting that "It makes
sense to be skeptical about celebrity activism. There is always the
suspicion that involvement with a cause may be doing more good for the
spokesman than he or she is doing for the cause."
Related links:
Ben Affleck takes 'Nightline' viewers on a journey to Congo
Ben Affleck on IMDb
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