Unemployment is at a 14 year high. Banks and insurance companies are failing. Thousands of homeowners are in foreclosure. Our schools, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure are failing. But at least we don't live in the worst place in the world right now.
Earlier this week, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said 3,000 more UN peacekeeping soldiers were needed in Congo to bolster a 17,000-member UN force.
Ban also called for a ceasefire so aid workers could get help to at "at least 100,000 refugees" cut off in rebel-controlled areas.
"The conditions in (the refugee camps) are as bad as I have seen them anywhere in Africa," World Vision spokesperson Kevin Cook told CTV's Canada AM on Wednesday morning.
Displaced people are in urgent need of water, sanitation, hygiene, nutrition and other supplies and protection from escalating violence."
Cook said aid workers are also concerned about the spread of diseases such as malaria, cholera, measles and diarrhea. He also noted that he is not sure how long relief workers would be able to stay in the country if the situation worsens.
UN officials have noted that both sides in the dispute have committed crimes against civilians, including rapes.
"This is probably the worst place in the world to be a woman or a child," Cook said.
A little perspective is a good thing. Thanks to CTV for the quote.