Activism

Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on earth. The word diamond derived from the Greek word adamas. This means ‘unconquerable’. Any diamond is capable of scratching glass or steel. The largest one ever found was one and a quarter pounds—3 106 carats. The diamond is the most popular stone—its appearance, feel and status attract buyers from all over the world. Lake Argyle, located in Australia, is the world’s richest diamond deposit. It produces over a third of the world’s diamonds every year. The discovery of diamonds at the Orange River in South Africa sparked the world’s hunger for diamonds. In India, this industry employs over one million people alone. It is the birthstone for the month of April and the anniversary gem for 10th and 60th years of marriage. Couples traditionally receive some form of diamond ring to symbolize their engagement; this practice started in 1477 when Mary of Burgundy received one from Archduke Maximilian of Austria (Davies).

Despite their representation of love, devotion and exquisite beauty, diamonds have been mesmerizing humans throughout centuries. Diamonds are crystals formed in the earth billions of years ago, very few survive and they are very rare. They are formed when carbon is compressed together at a very high temperature (1000 to 1200°C) (“Conflict Diamonds”). The production of diamonds has tripled since 1980, though it is still a scarce resource (“Diamond Facts”). Satellite surveys, reconnaissance sampling and ground drilling are ways Geologists utilize methods in diamond exploration (“Conflict Diamonds”). Although diamonds can be a good source for growth and poverty reduction, they are being exploited to fund several African conflicts. These diamonds are known as ‘conflict diamonds’. According to the UN, conflict diamonds originate from three of the poorest countries in the world—Democratic Republic of the DRC, Angola and Sierra Leone (“Combating Conflict Diamonds”).

Conflict diamonds play a role in financing civil wars and need to be stopped with the help of international organizations. The economic and social stability and human security are at risk. Violent conflict between or within countries, results in the loss of life and destruction of resources, social and economic disintegration reverses the gain of development and does not decrease poverty. Countries working together to address this issue can reduce the amount of conflict diamonds in the world. Governments have let the diamond industry run wild because diamonds are still fueling conflict.

Sixty-five percent of the world’s supply of diamonds comes from African countries, which is approximately $8.5 billion of diamonds a year (“Diamond Facts”). In many parts of Africa the diamond business made the economy flourish; however other areas were not as lucky: problems arose in the DRC, Angola and Sierra Leone. Those areas that flourished had governments that wanted to benefit their jurisdiction through this new industry; however those in the DRC, Angola and Sierra Leone found their industries controlled by rebel groups. These groups would use civilians to mine for the diamonds and then sell them for their own selfish purposes. In the meantime the labourers were poorly treated and were more often than not paid little for the large amounts of labour they put forth. The rebel groups never hesitated to take out those people who were against their methods and thus many innocent lives were taken once the rebels received the diamonds.

Organizations such as the Kimberley Process, formed in November of 2002, are a group of governments, formed because of activism, find the flow of conflict diamonds. A document called the Kimberely Process Certification Scheme includes a set of requirements to control diamond production, trade and to ensure they are conflict free. The Kimberely Process has 48 members that represent 74 countries. The World Diamond Council, Partnership-Africa Canada and Global Witness are other organizations that participate in the Kimberley Process. Reviews, statistics, annual reports, and progress reports are provided to justify their findings(Kimberley Process).

Works Cited


"Combating Conflict Diamonds." Global Witness. Global Witness. 14 Nov 2008
.

"Conflict Diamonds." Amnesty International USA. Amnesty International. 15 Nov
2008 diamonds/page.do?id=1051176>.

Davies, Rondi. "VII History." MSN Encarta. 1998. Microsoft Corporation. 15 Nov 2008
.

"Diamond Facts." Diamondfacts.org. World Diamond Council. 15 Nov 2008
.

"What is Kimberly Process?." Kimberly Process. Kimberly Process. 14 Nov 2008
.