 |  |
 |
| |
|
| last updated: March 3, 2003 Frequently Asked Questions What are conflict diamonds? Conflict diamonds are diamonds that are used to purchase weapons in order to sustain violent conflict against innocent civilians. This scenario is applicable in two cases: 1) when armed opposition groups use diamonds to fund warfare against democratically elected governments; and/or 2) when armed groups or terrorist organizations use diamonds to purchase weapons to sustain campaigns of human rights abuses against civilians, in order gain and maintain control over people, territory and resources. Most notably, conflict diamonds origionate from the rebel controlled areas of Sierra Leone, Angola and throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo-Kinshasa) in Africa. What are the percentages of conflict diamonds? There are no exact statistics. The diamond industry estimates 4%, but consumer advocates believe that conflict diamonds make up as much as 10-15% of the world’s diamond supply. Think of how much you pay for a diamond. One diamond alone can purchase many weapons. How complicit is the diamond industry in the trade in conflict diamonds? What should the industry do about conflict diamonds? On paper, the world diamond industry has acknowledged that conflict diamonds are, indeed, a problem, and in July of 2000, they released a proposal to address this. The world industry has put forth proposals, but the American diamond industry can do more by contacting Congress and the White House, and actively lobbying for the enactment of S. 2027, the Clean Diamond Trade Act. What is being done to address the issue? Conflict diamonds are an international commodity that requires an international solution. Strong efforts by the major diamond producing, polishing and trading countries have resulted in an international agreement known as the Kimberley Process, in which the U.S. is a participant. The Kimberley Process is an attempt to establish a global diamond certification system that aims to create a “clean stream” of diamonds. What can Americans do about conflict diamonds? Americans purchase 65% of the world’s gem quality diamonds; because of this, Americans have the market power to stop conflict diamonds. When you go to purchase diamond jewelry, ask your jeweler “what country do your diamonds come from?” Currently, a jeweler will not be able to answer this question; if he or she does tell you a country of origin, they are lying. Jewelers are influential people, but customers have influence over the jewelers. As more and more consumers ask this question, jewelers are pressured to demand that their diamond suppliers set up a certifiable chain of warranties. Through this certification process, jewelers and customers can be certain that they are not purchasing diamonds that fund the wholesale slaughter of innocent children, women and men. Here are some talking points to help you. Some progress has been made. Legislation to prohibit the import of conflict diamonds passed the Congress last year. Read more here! World Vision is a member of the Campaign to Eliminate Conflict Diamonds |  |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
© 2009 World Vision Inc. | Site Search : Sitemap : Privacy / Security : Contact Info : Careers : Spanish : Korean : FAQs : Links : Donor Service | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
