Time to upgrade your knowledge about Conflict Diamonds, also referred to as blood diamonds or war diamonds, are diamonds mined in a war zone and sold internationally. The miners are subject to human rights abuses, and the profits go towards war efforts in already politically unstable regions.
Despite international efforts to identify and boycott conflict diamonds, many still make it into the international market. The World Diamond Council verifies that diamonds being sold did not come from a conflict region, and can be labeled conflict-free. Smuggling makes it difficult to completely verify, so many diamond sellers donate money to relief charities in order to make their diamonds conflict-neutral.
Our background Conflict / Blood Diamond Research
The UN Stand
UN – General Assembly adopts resolution on “conflict diamonds”
Global Policy Forum – Diamonds in Conflict: Key UN Documents
US Policy and Laws
Global Policy Forum – Senator Judd Gregg Introduces Conflict Diamonds Act to SenateCanadian Policy and Laws
CRS Report for Congress – Diamonds and Conflict: Background, Policy, and LegislationEuropean Policy and Laws
Conflict Prevention
EU and the Kimberly Process
War economies: EU policy options
Conflict Prevention: a major priority for the EU external relations
Worldwide Transparency in the Diamond Sector
UN – General Assembly adopts resolution on “conflict diamonds”
ALL DIAMONDS SOLD BY DIAMONDS-USA ARE CHECKED CONFLICT FREE
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The issue of conflict-diamonds is only the tip of the problems associated with traditionally mined and traded diamonds.
While efforts are being made to create global standards for the industry, conscious consumers should consider alternatives such as ethically sourced gems or lab-grown diamonds.
Consumers need to play a role in driving change. Retail stores won’t carry product that consumers aren’t demanding.
After watching the movie Blood Diamond, it gave the new meaning to have diamonds, and its so sad that still to this day this is still going on and that there are still many people that are supporting this kind of diamond trade.