The program was used by the Congolese government to exploit the country's natural resources, including diamonds, gold, and timber. Forced laborers were often subjected to violence, abuse, and torture, and many died as a result of their treatment.
The Captain John Forced Work Program was eventually dismantled after international pressure, but its legacy of human rights abuses continues to haunt the DRC.
Here are some specific details about the program:
* It was estimated that up to 100,000 people were forced to work in the program at any given time.
* Forced laborers were often children or women.
* They were forced to work in dangerous conditions, including in mines and logging camps.
* They were often paid very little or not at all.
* They were often subjected to violence, abuse, and torture.
* Many forced laborers died as a result of their treatment.
The Captain John Forced Work Program was a horrific example of human rights abuses, and it is a reminder of the importance of international pressure to hold governments accountable for their actions.