The Congo

I visit a photography website called The Big Picture pretty often and it posts photographs from around the world on a regular basis, usually dealing with news happenings and world events. I've been aware that there is some sort of hell on earth going on in the Congo for a while now, but several months ago, TBP posted a series of photos from the Congo that are truly devastating. This picture above is one that really just, I don't know, it leaves the viewer speechless. I've been meaning to post it, but I hesitated because it's so personal. I've always wondered how photographers are able to take pictures of people when they are in such dire circumstances, it seems like a violation of privacy. On the other hand, I guess if they didn't take the photo, how would the rest of the world know of the atrocities going on there? I know this is a bit different than the pics I usually post and I have no idea what to do or how to help the people of the Congo, but the look in this man's eyes and his determination to take care of these children, most likely his own, is something I think about. I don't know what else to say except that I hope the conflict in the Congo is resolved quickly and soon. And that this man and his children are alright.

Here is the link if you'd like to learn more: http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/11/conflict_in_congo_refugees_on.html

(YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) Click on pic to enlarge.