Affleck Tours Congo to Raise Awareness

Actor Ben Affleck toured the war-torn eastern region of the Congo on Wednesday, talking with children and aid officials in an attempt to bring attention and aid to the refugees in the area, according to the Associated Press.

"I'm not an expert in international affairs or diplomacy, but it doesn't take that to see the tremendous suffering here," Affleck said Thursday. "It's not something that we as human beings can, in good conscience, ignore."

Affleck has visited the region four times since 2007 and has made a documentary to spread awareness. He expressed gratefulness that more attention has been paid to the region but said violence continues to rage.

"I'm really glad that more people are paying more attention to (Congo) now but I'm really saddened that it's taken this uptick in violence to make that happen," Affleck said.

The actor hopes people will be more proactive in providing aid for the refugees.

"The primary reason I am here is to urge people to give money to the NGOs and charities doing hard work in eastern Congo on meager funds," he said. "And if people out there have an existing relationship with a charity, to urge that charity to get involved in eastern Congo. To let people know, 'Don't just read the horror stories in the newspapers and turn off.'"