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In the movie's trailer, a voice says "They say it came from the heart of the earth, to test the hearts of men. A stone so rare, men will do anything to possess it. Wars will be fought in search of it, and all who touch it are left with blood on their hands." Throughout time, diamonds have had mystique. Now, the diamond industry fears that the main result of the film will be to disparage diamonds completely, rather than focus on how diamonds create both jobs and revenues for infrastructure, schools, hospitals for the good of the communities and countries in which the diamonds are found and around the world. In addition, the diamond industry fears that no mention will be made of the diamond trade efforts to curb the flow of what have been termed 'conflict diamonds.' Are the diamonds themselves to be blamed or the people who use them for violent means? See below for more information about conflict diamonds.
The Kimberley Process was adopted in a United Nations (U.N.) resolution in 2003 after the diamond industry worked with the U.N., more than 45 countries and several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to stamp out the illegal trade of diamonds, which in 1999 were used by rebel movements in parts of Africa to finance wars against legitimate governments. The diamonds used by these rebel groups accounted for roughly 4% of the total world diamond production. The Kimberly Process regulates the flow of rough (uncut) diamonds from mine origin and across international borders into the cutting and jewelry networks. Only rough diamonds accompanied by government certificates ensuring they have arrived through legitimate channels and via sealed, tamper resistant containers, can be legally imported. While no system is perfect and constant efforts and improvements in the system of warranties need to be made, the Kimberly Process has helped to reduce the percentage of conflict diamonds to less than 1%. Please visit Diamondfacts.org for more information. The website is filled with interesting and informative articles and commentaries. |
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On December 15, Warner Bros. will release the film The Blood Diamond starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The film depicts events that did take place in Africa during Sierra Leone's civil war of the late 1990s.
Stopping the Flow of Conflict Diamonds
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