Blood Diamonds: Kimberley Process, And Their History

Conflict diamonds, also referred to as blood diamonds, are mined in areas of conflict and sold to finance protests against legal governments. These diamonds, which are frequently mined in harmful locations, incite violence and violations of human rights. The problem was widely recognized in Sierra Leone during the 1990s, when the lucrative diamond trade helped a bloody civil war. This situation led to global demands for stricter control over the diamond trade.

In a move to stop the trade in conflict diamonds, U.S. President Bill Clinton issued an executive Order in 2001, which blacklisted the import of diamonds from Sierra Leone. In order to support such efforts, the US approved the Clean Diamond Trade Act in 2003, which requires that all diamonds that are imported or exported have to be Kimberley Process (KP) certified.  The Kimberley Process, which was implemented in 2003, attempts to keep conflict diamonds off the world market. While the process is meant to be as effective as possible, it is limited because certification is dependent on the final export destination and may not accurately represent the full supply chain.

In order to ensure that our diamonds are grown ethically and sustainably, we at ouros jewels go above and above the Kimberley Process. Our Report describes our commitment to accountability and openness, including how we uphold standards that go above and beyond those required by industry rules.

The History Of War And Governments Violence

Diamonds have long been a source of conflict in a number of African nations, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Angola. Although most of these wars are over, there is still a problem with conflict diamonds, which frequently results in violence.

Sometimes, not just rebel groups, but governments and mining companies also add to the problem, even in peaceful countries. Even though governments get large sums of money from the diamond business in the form of taxes and profit sharing, many of them fail to use these resources to support their local populations. Problems such as corruption, bad management, and weak political systems frequently stop the profits from being used to assist the people, maintaining the cycle of poverty. 

• Central African Republic

Since 2013, the Central African Republic has been embroiled in a brutal civil war driven by diamond issues, affluence and religious differences. The conflict started when rebel factions overtook the capital, seizing important diamond mines. This prompted retaliatory violence from other militias, giving a religious dimension to the ongoing struggle. With international efforts to control the diamond trade, smugglers continue to export conflict-free diamonds to buyers around the world.

• Russia

The U.S. banned Russia's largest diamond mining company, Alrosa, for its part in funding military operations in Ukraine. Although these diamonds may not match the technical definition of conflict diamonds, their sale benefits military operations. To comply with ethical standards, we have suspended the sale of Russian diamonds. 

• Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's military took control of the marage diamond fields in 2008, resulting in significant bloodshed and murder. The military and Mugabe's cronies reaped significant benefits. Despite its difficult past with human rights, Zimbabwe's diamonds are considered conflict-free by technical criteria, and the country continues to be part of the global diamond market, with previous bans lifted by the Kimberley Process.

• Côte d’Ivoire

During the civil war, Côte d'Ivoire's rebel groups financed their activities through diamond mining. This scenario resulted in international sanctions and a ban on diamonds. In 2012, new leadership restored stability, resulting in the solving of sanctions and a renewed emphasis on using diamond profits for development.

• Angola

Angola is a major diamond exporter, but it has faced scrutiny for continued violence and human rights violations, particularly among migrant miners. The government has not only ignored these difficulties, but it has actively punished anyone who attempts to report them. Angola's links with Russia, mainly the Wagner Group, have become stronger, complicating its political and economic environment.

• Botswana

Botswana is a shining example of how to manage diamonds responsibly, using the wealth they generate to develop infrastructure and education systems. It is known for creating diamonds that fulfil high environmental and social standards, which are proudly offered by companies that practise ethical sourcing. 

Conclusion: Blood Diamonds Kimberley Process

In conclusion, the diamond trade is complex, combining ethics and profit. The Kimberley Process seeks to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the market, but it has limitations. Ouros Jewels goes above and beyond these requirements, focusing on ethical sourcing and transparency. We ensure that our gems support positive change while avoiding contributing to violence. By sourcing from responsible regions such as Botswana and avoiding problematic places, we demonstrate that diamonds can promote growth and peace, changing a resource that is frequently associated with conflict into a tool for sustained development.

FAQs: Diamond Kimberley Process

Q.1 What is a blood diamond?

Ans. Blood diamonds, or conflict diamonds, come from areas in conflict. They are mined and sold to support anti-government battles, mainly in African nations like Angola, Sierra Leone, and Liberia in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Q2. What is the history of diamond mining in Kimberly?

Ans. Diamond mining in Kimberley started in the late 1800s, after diamonds were discovered there. The area quickly became a major mining center, named after John Wodehouse, the 1st Earl of Kimberley.

Q.3 Why are they known as "blood diamonds"?

Ans. They are called "blood diamonds" because they are extracted during times of bloody conflict. The profits made from the sale of these diamonds finance violence, rebellions against recognized governments, and cause widespread human suffering.

Q.4 Which countries are known for their blood diamonds?

Ans. Blood diamond-producing countries include Angola, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, all of which have endured civil wars.

Q.5 Do blood diamonds still exist?

Ans. Yes, blood diamonds are still a problem. With international efforts to avoid them, such as the Kimberley Process, diamonds from war zones like the Central African Republic continue to infiltrate the market and support violence.