Conflict Diamonds

The diamond industry is to blame for war in Africa.Fact or Fiction!?! This is fiction! Africa is rampant with political, social, and economic corruption, which is behind wars in Africa. Some have blamed the diamond industry for fueling these struggles because the sale of diamond is one way in which madmen and terrorists raise the money to buy weapons. On other continents, illegal drug trafficking and oil monies finance conflicts. Placing the blame for war on the diamond industry is unfair for African diamond producers as well as the diamond industry in non-war areas.The diamond industry faces a most difficult challenge to continue legitimate business in African mining and cutting plants, while ensuring that monies do not fund rebel armies. In an effort to police the international diamond industry, UN resolutions to US legislation have been offered and debated, but there is never an easy solution to war or greed. Illiteracy and a lack of a broader communication network inhibit human rights progress for the peoples of third world countries. Poverty and over population stress humanity worldwide. It will take a greater global effort than any one industry or government could shoulder to dictate and regulate morality in all cultures and therefore alleviate ignorance and war.The diamond industry is not to blame for war in Africa. Gem diamonds are a luxury item and ironically, the industry has been working for years to promote these diamonds as a symbol for love. Only 20-25% of all mined diamonds go into gemstones and jewelry though; whereas, 75-80% of all diamonds are of great economic importance for industrial applications. One has to wonder if this smear campaign against the diamond industry originated for political, social, or economic motivations.Progress is being made to identify conflict free diamonds. The World Diamond Council has drafted a guide to implementing the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. This system of warrenties is designed to help the industry avoid conflict diamonds and was adopted by fifty-two governments in November, 2002. Read more about conflict diamonds through a photojournalist's eyes, A Diamond's Journey,