What are exactly "Blood Diamonds?"
Blood Diamonds, also known as “Conflict Diamonds” are stones that are made in areas controlled by rebel group forces that are opposed to internationally recognized governments. These rebels sell these diamonds, and the money is used to fund their military actions or to purchase arms. Blood Diamonds are often produced through the forced labor of men, women and children. They are also stolen during shipment or taken by attacking the mining operations of legitimate producers. These attacks can be on scales of large military operations. The stones are then smuggled into the international diamond trade and sold as legitimate goods. These diamonds are often the main source of funding for the rebels; however, arms merchants, smugglers and dishonest diamond traders prevent their actions. Huge amounts of money are at stake and bribes, threats, torture, and murder are methods of operation. This is why those diamonds are described as "blood diamonds".
What is the "Kimberly Process?"
The course of Conflict Diamonds has started mainly from Sierra Leone, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia and Ivory Coast. The United Nations and other groups are working to entirely hold back the entry of conflict diamonds into the worldwide diamond trade. Their concept has been to develop a government certification procedure known as the “Kimberly Process”. This system requires each nation to certify that all rough diamond exports are produced through legitimate mining and sales activity. All rough diamonds exported from these nations are to be accompanied by certificates. On These certificates is stated that the diamonds were produced, sold and exported through legitimate courses. The certification process accounts for all rough diamonds, through every step of their journey, from mine to retail sale. Retail customers buying a cut diamond are encouraged to strongly request upon a sales receipt that documents that their diamond originated from a conflict free origin.
"Conflict Free Diamonds"
The Kimberly Process is believed to have significantly reduced the number of Conflict Diamonds that are reaching international gem markets. Nations who agree to participate in the Kimberly process are not permitted to trade with nonmember Nations. Today 71 governments and several non-government organizations abide by the Kimberly Process. The only two nations which remain under Kimberly Process sanctions as of December, 2006 were Liberia and Ivory Coast. The World Diamond Council estimates that 99% of all diamonds are now conflict free.
The Legitimate Diamond Trade.
Support of the Kimberly Process by all nations and consumers can convert slavery into jobs and smuggling into respected commerce. The legitimate diamond trade provides jobs for over 10 million workers and brings prosperity to areas where this activity occurs. The efforts are working. Nowadays about 99% of all diamonds produced come from conflict free sources
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