The Story behind Conflict Diamonds
In the United States, diamonds are typically regarded as symbols of love, affection, commitment, and affluence. But these precious stones have darker side of which few are aware. In Africa, diamonds also represent bloodshed, killing fields, genocide, and anarchy. The diamonds that spawn these heinous acts are referred to as conflict diamonds, originating from the war zones of Africa. The international community has recently taken steps to combat the role of conflict diamonds in bankrolling war. Specifically, on December 1, 2000, the United Nations unanimously passed a resolution that defined the role of conflict diamonds in order to eliminate the funding sources for rebel forces and help shorten and prevent wars.
Conflict Diamonds Defined
Also called blood diamonds, conflict diamonds originate from areas controlled by factions opposed to internationally recognized and legitimate governments. These factions use conflict diamonds to fund military opposition to established governments or the contravention of the resolutions of the Security Council. Traders of conflict diamonds terrorize countries such as Liberia, Angola, and Sierra Leone. The most notorious conflict diamonds traders include the UNITA in Angola and the Revolutionary United Front of Sierra Leone. The Liberian government is also a common offender, funding rebel forces in Sierra Leone while flouting the international condemnation of such activities.
Stopping the Trade
Significant progress has been made in eradicating conflict diamonds from the market. For example, in 1990, about 15% of all production diamonds were conflict diamonds. By 2004, however, this number had fallen to 1%. The first step to stop the trade of conflict diamonds required the cessation of raw diamond purchases from countries involved in selling the stones. In doing so, the funding stream for arms and ammunition ran dry. But conflict diamond traders persisted nonetheless. To circumvent the U.N. resolution, the diamonds were sold through contacts in surrounding countries. After the stones are polished, it is nearly impossible to determine their origin.
The Kimberly Process Certification Scheme
In 2000, the diamond-producing countries of South Africa convened in Kimberly to establish a means of certifying the origin of diamonds. After two years of negotiation, they created the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), which resulted in a drastic reduction in the conflict diamond trade. To avoid supporting the war efforts funded by conflict diamonds, insist on such a certification before purchasing a diamond. The certification will tell you the stone’s color, carat weight, flaws, clarity, and origin.
