The Truth About Blood Diamonds

Today I watched a movie called Blood Diamond thinking it to be a action movie wherein I could pass some time and enjoy. But what I also saw were some scenes which moved me deeply. It reminded me of another movie - Hotel Rwanda and what one human being could do to another for gain or otherwise. Diamonds usually thought of as a symbol of love and joy are now associated with violence and misery - the very opposite The connection between diamonds and conflicts goes far beyond rebel groups seizing control of diamond-rich areas and selling the precious gems for arms and war supplies. Large diamond companies are involved in this deadly game, along with traders, transport companies, arms smugglers and financial firms. Most such conflicts arise in Africa, where they are largely found. A conflict diamond or a blood diamond is one which is mined or produced under unethical conditions and the profits accrued therein used to fund war. Conflict diamonds fuel civil wars and human rights abuses. During these wars, armed combatants fight for control of the diamond mines because of their profitability and uses civilian slave labor to mine them in mostly inhuman conditions. The fighting takes a toll on innocent civilians are millions are displaced and killed. Conflict Diamonds are rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance conflict aimed at undermining legitimate governments says the United States Security Council. It first identified conflict diamond issue in 1998 as a source of funding for war.

History of Blood Diamonds. The civil war in Angola (1975- 2002) took toll of 500,000 people and hundreds of thousands left homeless and maimed. Today Angola's civil war has ended and the country is now a legitimate part of the diamond trade.

The Republic of the Congo civil war (1998-2003) took its toll on 3.3 million people. In 2004 it faced UN sanctions, because in spite of having no official diamond mining industry, it was exporting huge quantities of diamonds.

Sierra Leone (1991-1999) killed about 50,000 people and hundred of thousands homeless. Mutilation, rape, torture and abduction were very common. As with Angola, the civil war has ended, and Sierra Leone is a legitimate part of the diamond trade.

From 1989 to 2003 Liberia was engaged in a civil war. More than 200,000 have been killed with 1 million refuges. Liberia today is largely at peace and is attempting to construct a legitimate diamond mining industry. However, UN sanctions have not yet been lifted.

In May 2000, diamond producing countries met in Kimberly, South Africa to plan a method by which the trade in conflict diamonds could be halted, and buyers of diamonds could be assured that their diamonds have not contributed to violence. This has come to be known as Kimberly Process Certification Scheme.

Today in spite of sanctions and controls, blood diamonds do exist with about 1% of the total number of diamonds being illicit. As I delve deeper in this issue I feel a surge of mixed emotions: pain, compassion, anger, discontent and the need for a more effective campaign against "conflict diamonds." Pain and compassion for those who have been hurt, anger at those who perpetrate this crime, and discontent at those who have the power to do so and don't do not enough

For those who will make purchases of diamonds ensure that it is conflict-free.