Conflict Diamonds and the Congo

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Media contact Laura Blank 708.872.5265 (c)

Starting in the late 1980’s, diamonds have funded human rights abuses and fueled brutal civil wars in several African countries, including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Today, diamonds no longer fund conflict in these countries.

Except one. In the DRC, diamonds are among several natural resources that continue to fund and fuel conflict, particularly in the country’s eastern region. In 2000, World Vision helped found the U.S. Campaign for the Elimination of Conflict Diamonds.

Advocating both within the United States and internationally, World Vision staff members played lead advisory roles in drafting and enacting the Clean Diamonds Trade Act of 2003 and the Kimberley Process Certification System, which regulates the international trade of rough diamonds.

Conflict Diamonds featured in movie "Blood Diamond," starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimson Hounsou and Jennifer Connelly, explores the conflict diamond issue. Visit the Blood Diamond movie site to view the trailer,and learn more about the film, the cast and the filmakers.

Watch a short video spot on conflict diamonds

Additional Resources

>>	The Text of the Clean Diamonds Trade Act
>>	Congressional Testimony of Rory Anderson, World Vision Sr. Africa Policy Advisor
>>	Diamonds & Conflict: Background, Policy, and Legislation, Congressional Research Service
>>	"Getting Congo's Wealth To Its People", John le Carre and Jason Stearns in The Boston Globe
>>	CONFLICT DIAMONDS Agency Actions Needed to Enhance Implementation of the Clean Diamond Trade Act -- GAO Report, September 2006
>>	Press Conference on Passage of Clean Diamonds Trade Act -- April 2003
>>	Interfaith Statement on Conflict Diamonds -- May 2002
>>	Conflict Diamonds Report Card -- Valentines Day 2002