Clean Diamonds

Clean diamonds are diamonds in full compliance with the Kimberley Process, and which derive from legitimate sources not involved in conflict.

Whilst even a fraction of trade involving conflict diamonds is a fraction too many, much has been made in the media of so-called "conflict diamonds" (also known as "blood diamonds") which at present account for less than 1% of all internationally traded diamonds. The remaining 99% provide much-needed and legitimate sources of revenue and income to various third-world countries. So what is it all about?

Background

Conflict diamonds arose out of internal conflicts within various west and central African countries where subversive forces funded their activities against legitimate governments through illegal diamond mining and trading activities.

The most notable of these conflicts was the civil war in Sierra Leone, where the Revolutionary United Front committed horrendous atrocities against the population. Much of the funding of the Revolutionary United Front was derived from illicit diamond trading.

Today Sierra Leone is at peace, the civil war has ended, and in 2005 earned U$142 million in much needed revenues through legitimate diamond exports.

Illicit rough diamonds were also a source of funding for illegitimate conflicts in Angola, The Republic of Congo, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia and the Ivory Coast.

Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo have since experienced an end to their internal conflicts and are now full participants of the Kimberley Process, responsible for establishing international standards for the legitimate trade of diamonds.

Conflict diamonds continue to be sourced from the Ivory Coast, Liberia, and the Republic of Congo, jointly producing less then 1% of the world’s annual diamond output. Diamonds sourced from these countries are banned from trade in terms of UN Security Council Resolutions and the Kimberley Process.

The Kimberley Process

The Kimberley Process is the concerted effort by the diamond industry, NGO’s, and the United Nations to stamp out trade in conflict diamonds. Formally adopted in 2003, today some 69 governments have proclaimed the directives of the Kimberley Process as part of their national law.

In terms of the provisions of the Kimberley Process no rough diamonds are permitted to enter a participant country without a certificate. To pass over any international border all rough diamonds must be sealed in tamper-proof containers and must also have forgery-proof conflict free certificates, with unique serial numbers. Countries that have implemented the Kimberley Process directives as part of their national law will prosecute individuals not complying with these and other regulatory provisions.

The system has had resounding success and the percentage of conflict diamonds traded internationally has declined from 4% to less than 1% in little over 3 years.

Natural Goodness

• Approximately 5 million people in Southern Africa have access to suitable healthcare as a result of revenues derived from diamonds.
• Over 40% of Namibia’s annual exports are derived from diamonds;
•  India employs over 1 million people in its diamond industry.
• African countries produce approximately $8.4 billion a year in diamonds.
• Diamonds provide 33% of the GDP of Botswana.
• Significant world leaders, including Nelson Mandela have stated that diamonds are a force for good.