by Norma Chew

Created on: March 30, 2009   Last Updated: April 09, 2009

Blood Diamonds also called conflict diamonds are diamonds illegally traded to fund conflict in war torn areas, particularly in Central and Western Africa. The process entails threats, bribes, torture, forced labor of men, women and children.

The United Nations defines Blood Diamonds or Conflict Diamonds as "diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions, opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments or a contravention of the decisions of the Security Council."

The Kimberly Process Resolution was passed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 4, 2000. This resolution is aimed at preventing conflict or Blood Diamonds from funding war fare. It is a Certification System for monitoring a diamonds origin from the mine up until it reaches the hands of the distributors. With this process all diamonds collected from a mine are sealed in containers and given warranties.

The resolution states: "The ultimate mandate for the World Diamond Council is the development, implementation and oversight of a tracking system for the expert and import of rough diamonds to prevent the exploitation of diamonds for illicit purposes such as war and inhumane acts." The diamond industry estimates that conflict diamonds represent 1% of the total trade in rough diamonds which is a drop from 4% in the early 1990.

The Clean Diamond Act

The Clean Diamond act was established in 2003 is a United States Law designed to stop the trade of blood diamonds that fund violent civil conflicts in many African countries. Public Law 108 -19. This made the United States a full participant in the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme.

What You Can Do To Stop Blood Diamonds?

Buying diamonds that have guarantees is a to stop the operation of blood diamonds.

Check the policy of the store where you purchase your diamond about their policy on conflict diamonds to be sure they are not selling yoyu blood diamonds.

You can promote awareness about conflict diamonds by sharing the information with others, talk with your friends and family about the topic and let them know how they can help.

Write an article or give a talk about the subject of conflict diamonds to a group in your community.

Watch the movie "The Blood Diamond"

The story of diamonds began in Africa between December 1866 and 1867, when a 15 year old found a transparent stone on his father's farm on the south bank of the Orange River. Diamond is the hardest substance in the world, it is the most exquisite and most beautiful jewelry. Support The Clean Diamond Act and the Kimberly Process Resolution and help stop Blood Diamonds.

"The Diamond industry is vital....it is preferable that through our own initiative the industry takes a progressive stand on human rights issue." Nelson Mandela.

www.realdiamondfacts.org

www.stopblooddiamond s.org

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