Blood Diamonds: The Kimberley Process and Their History

Blood diamonds, also known as conflict diamonds, are mined in war-torn regions and sold to support armed conflict against legitimate governments. These diamonds often come from areas where human rights are violated during the mining process. This issue became widely known during the 1990s, particularly in Sierra Leone, where diamonds funded a violent civil war. In response, international efforts, like the Kimberley Process, were established to reduce the trade in conflict diamonds.

The Kimberley Process: A Step Towards Ethical Sourcing

In response to the conflict diamond crisis, the U.S. took decisive action. In 2001, President Bill Clinton issued an executive order banning the import of diamonds from Sierra Leone. The Clean Diamond Trade Act of 2003 followed, mandating that all diamonds entering or leaving the U.S. be certified by the Kimberley Process (KP). Established in 2003, the Kimberley Process aims to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the global market, though its effectiveness is limited by reliance on export certifications that don't fully trace the entire supply chain.

At Ouros Jewels, we go beyond the Kimberley Process. We are committed to ethical and sustainable practices, ensuring our diamonds are grown responsibly and transparently. Our commitment extends beyond industry standards, reflecting our dedication to accountability and ethical sourcing.

The History of Conflict and Diamond-Driven Violence

Diamonds have historically fueled conflicts in several African countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Angola. Despite the end of many wars, conflict diamonds still contribute to violence today, often with the involvement of governments and mining companies that exploit local populations and mismanage diamond revenues.

• Central African Republic

Since 2013, the country has been engulfed in civil war, driven by diamond wealth and religious differences. Rebel factions seized diamond mines, prompting violence and illegal diamond exports, which continue to fund conflict.

• Russia

The U.S. sanctioned Alrosa, Russia’s largest diamond mining company, for funding military operations in Ukraine. Although these diamonds are not technically conflict diamonds, their sale supports military actions, prompting Ouros Jewels to suspend Russian diamond sales.

• Zimbabwe

In 2008, Zimbabwe’s military violently took control of diamond fields, benefiting military and government insiders. Despite past human rights abuses, Zimbabwe's diamonds are currently considered conflict-free under technical criteria.

• Côte d’Ivoire

During the civil war, rebel groups financed their activities through diamond mining. Though the country has stabilized, past conflicts highlight the challenges in regulating diamond profits for development.

• Angola

A major diamond exporter, Angola faces scrutiny for ongoing violence and human rights violations among migrant miners. The government’s ties with Russia complicate its ethical standing in the diamond trade.

• Botswana

In contrast, Botswana serves as a model for responsible diamond management, using its wealth to develop infrastructure and education, setting a standard for ethical sourcing.

Conclusion: Blood Diamonds Kimberley Process

The diamond trade is complicated, balancing ethics and profit. The Kimberley Process tries to stop conflict diamonds from entering the market, but it has some weaknesses. Ouros Jewels goes beyond these rules, focusing on ethical sourcing and honesty. We make sure our diamonds support positive change and do not add to violence. By sourcing from responsible areas like Botswana and avoiding risky places, we show that diamonds can help growth and peace, turning a resource often linked to conflict into a tool for positive development.

FAQs: Diamond Kimberley Process

Q.1 What is a blood diamond?

Ans. Blood diamonds, also known as conflict diamonds, are rough diamonds mined in war zones and sold to fund violence and conflict against legal governments. These diamonds often involve human rights abuses during mining.

Q.2 What is the Kimberley Process?

Ans. The Kimberley Process (KP) is a global certification system started in 2003 to stop conflict diamonds from being traded. It requires that diamonds be certified as conflict-free before they are traded between countries.

Q.3 How does the Kimberley Process work?

Ans. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) requires that all rough diamond shipments have a certificate proving they are conflict-free. This system involves checks at the point of mining, export, and import to ensure that diamonds are not funding violence.

Q.4 Is the Kimberley Process effective?

Ans. The Kimberley Process has helped reduce the trade in conflict diamonds, but it has some weaknesses. It only certifies diamonds based on the last export country, allowing some conflict diamonds to enter the market through other routes.

Q.5 Which countries have been affected by conflict diamonds?

Ans. Conflict diamonds have caused problems in countries like Sierra Leone, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, and the Central African Republic, where they have fueled wars and human rights violations.

Q.6 How can consumers ensure they are buying conflict-free diamonds?

Ans. Consumers can look for diamonds certified by the Kimberley Process and buy from trustworthy jewelers who provide information about where their diamonds come from. Always ask for documentation proving the diamonds are conflict-free.

Q.7 What are the criticisms of the Kimberley Process?

Ans. Critics say the Kimberley Process does not cover all forms of human rights abuses linked to diamond mining. It also has enforcement issues, and some conflict diamonds still find their way into the market.

Q.8 Can Russian diamonds be considered conflict diamonds?

Ans. Russian diamonds do not fit the strict definition of conflict diamonds under the Kimberley Process, but their sale can still fund military actions, leading some to argue for a broader definition of conflict diamonds.