The Hard Facts About Conflict Diamonds From Africa and India

Diamonds are small, easily transportable andlegally bound to eradicating conflict diamonds. The
command high prices. These characteristics havediamond industry has introduced a system to help
made diamonds a good source of funds for coupgive greater assurances to retailers and to
leaders in Africa and elsewhere. These smuggledprovide consumers with the reassurance that
diamonds have been labeled "conflict diamonds"their diamond is from a conflict free source.
and many consumers are wary about using aDiamonds and Development
product that they think may be related to theLike the gold that is used in gold jewelry,
suffering of innocent people.diamonds are driving economic growth and
However, before you skip buying diamonds it isprosperity in many countries around the world.
important to understand the safe-guards thatAn estimated 65% of the world's diamonds come
have been adopted by the UN and the actual rolefrom African countries and approximately $8.4
that diamonds play in the economic life of thebillion worth of diamonds a year are exported
developing countries.from Africa. An estimated five million people have
In 2000, a coalition of governments,access to appropriate healthcare globally thanks to
non-governmental organizations and the diamondrevenues from diamonds and an estimated 10
industry worked together to address issuesmillion people globally are directly or indirectly
related to diamond mining. In 2002, establishedsupported by the diamond industry.
they established the Kimberley ProcessThe diamond mining industry generates over 40%
Certification System. This is a UN-backed processof Namibia's annual export earnings and diamond
that virtually eliminated the trade in conflictrevenues enable every child in Botswana to
diamonds. Over 99% of the world's supply ofreceive free education up to the age of 13.
diamonds is now from conflict-free sources. InDiamonds account for 33% of the GDP
addition the Kimberley Process Certification(approximately $3 billion) of Botswana. Since
System is dedicated to presenting the factsdiamonds were discovered in Botswana, GDP
about conflict diamonds.annual growth rate has averaged 7%. In addition,
Conflict diamonds have been reduced fromthe revenue from diamonds is instrumental in the
approximately 4% to considerably less than 1%fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
since the implementation of the KimberleyBesides the mechanized diamond mining activities
Process in 2003. In July 2000, the global diamondin Africa, it is estimated that one million people
industry announced its zero-tolerance policywork in the informal alluvial diamond digging sector.
towards conflict diamonds and continues to driveThe Diamond Development Initiative was
this policy. For example, Sierra Leone is now atestablished to improve the working conditions of
peace and exported approximately $142 millionthese artisanal miners.
diamonds in 2005.The major role of diamond mining in several
More than 99% of diamonds are currently fromAfrican countries has been pointed out by several
conflict free sources and traded under theworld leaders - including Nelson Mandela - who
UN-mandated Kimberley Process. Under thishave cited the importance of diamonds to the
system, rough diamonds can only be exportedlives of African people.
and imported when accompanied by a certificateSo, the next time you are buying jewelry you
from the exporting country.can be sure that your diamond is not only
At this moment, 71 governments and theconflict-free but is helping the poorest economies
legitimate diamond industry are all committed andof the world get back on their feet.