Why are blood diamonds bad?

Why are blood diamonds bad?

The tragic result is bloodshed, loss of life, and shocking human rights abuses – from rape to the use of child soldiers. Diamonds that fuel civil wars are often called “blood” or “conflict” diamonds. Although many diamond-fueled wars have now ended, conflict diamonds remain a serious problem.

Are blood diamonds legal?

The World Diamond Council reported that by 2004 this percentage had fallen to approximately 1% and up to today the World Diamond Council refers to this illegal trade to be virtually eliminated, meaning that more than 99% of diamonds being sold have a legal background.

What are blood diamonds and why are they an issue?

blood diamond, also called conflict diamond, as defined by the United Nations (UN), any diamond that is mined in areas controlled by forces opposed to the legitimate, internationally recognized government of a country and that is sold to fund military action against that government.

Do ethical diamonds exist?

Ethical diamonds are diamonds that have fair humanitarian mining practices when it comes to wages and conditions when sourcing for raw diamonds. When we talk about ethically sourced diamonds, we mean the mining and origin of the diamonds are not compromised.

How do you avoid buying blood diamonds?

Many diamonds are mined in areas with deplorable working conditions and violence. You can avoid these “conflict diamonds” by looking for a stone with a Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) certification.

Why is diamond mining unethical?

Due to poor planning and weak regulation, diamond mining has caused environmental devastation, severely damaging the land and water. This irresponsible mining has caused soil erosion and deforestation, and has forced local communities to relocate.

Are Tiffany diamonds blood diamonds?

Many people believe the Tiffany diamond is a “blood diamond”. Another said, “I can’t be fascinated and just look past the inherent history of a 150-year-old blood diamond just because it’s on Beyoncé lol.” On its website, Tiffany & Co states that all of its diamonds are “conflict-free”.

What did the diamond industry do to stop blood diamonds?

The diamond industry’s attempt to fight blood diamonds led to the establishment of the Kimberley Process, an international diamond certification scheme, in 2003. Unfortunately, the Kimberley Process only places a ban on rough diamonds that finance rebel militias in war-torn countries.

What’s the best way to avoid buying blood diamonds?

If you want to ensure your diamond is conflict-free, always buy a new diamond instead of purchasing a vintage or antique stone. Why? Countries around the world go to great lengths to ensure that blood diamonds are not sold.

Why are blood diamonds considered conflict free diamonds?

However, it does nothing to address corrupt governments, state-sponsored militias, or the unethical treatment of people in the mining process. This means someone still could have been enslaved, tortured, raped, beaten, or killed to mine that diamond and it is marketed as a conflict free diamond because it didn’t directly fund a rebel war.

Why are diamonds called Blood Diamonds in Africa?

The diamond trade had negative consequence when it was used by the people who lived in a country with conflict to fund the war. The diamonds are called as blood diamonds after the civil wars in various countries such as Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Angola.