Conflict Diamonds

Did someone die for that diamond?

West Coast of Africa, countries like Sierra Leone West Coast of Africa, countries like Sierra Leone. Countries in a civil war with rebel groups like the RUF, Revolutionary United Front.

Terrorism tactics of the RUF include killing, raping, and abduction Terrorism tactics of the RUF include killing, raping, and abduction. However they are known for the amputation of limbs of men, women, children and babies.

The RUF funds their efforts with the diamond resources of the area The RUF funds their efforts with the diamond resources of the area. Selling over $200 million in diamonds annually.

Also called a “blood diamond” or a “war diamond” – is a diamond mined in a war zone and sold in order to finance or fund an insurgent (terrorism, war lords, rebels) or a war effort.

What is being done? Clean Diamond Trade Act  Kimberly Process (2003) = international certification of diamonds so that buyers know where their diamond comes from, only when consumers stop buying conflict diamonds will rebel groups of the world stop killing for the profit of the gems.

The United States consumes 65% of the world’s diamonds

http://www.amnestyusa.org/diamonds/d4.html http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15842522/ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/15930505#15930505