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Published online 12 November 2008 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news.2008.1223

News: Q&A

Counting the human costs of conflict

Calculating the death toll from the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Conflict once again rages in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). A figure often quoted is that 5.

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  • I was agree: in the places where conflict began by words first, from words changing into violent later on their effect by years increasing malnutrition,poverty and destiny. We already know the consequences of every conflict, but why they still have any reason to get involved in conflict? i think it doesnt a coincidence. regards tiurma simanjuntak

    • 12 Nov, 2008
    • Posted by: tiurma simanjuntak
  • Poverty in DRC is what causes the war. Developed countries should offer more help to DRC. Only giving money is not enough to resolve the problems. Help in many fields is needed. For example, universities can help DRC train young people.

    • 13 Nov, 2008
    • Posted by: Song Tianqi
  • i still believe in the power of educational learning...training the young people to diverse educational knowledge would led to the understanding of DRC people that the real root cause of poverty is illiteracy...

    • 17 Nov, 2008
    • Posted by: Gregor Burdeos
  • The costs of the war are huger. So we should cherish the peace. The staff of IRC did the valuable work for DRC.

    • 17 Nov, 2008
    • Posted by: XU Lei