In the News: Blood Diamond

This month the movie Blood Diamond has stirred up renewed attention to the reality of conflict diamonds and the human toll of the diamond trade. Read on for articles and resources for an informed response to this issue.

First, for the global facts about the Diamond Trade and the steps taken to rid the trade of illicit gems visit DiamondFacts.org for a wealth of information.

According to World Vision progress has been made in stopping the illicit diamond trade; but the precious stones continue to fuel conflicts. Click here to learn from World Vision’s excellent article and resources.

Amnesty International’s online magazine shows just how illicit diamonds make fabulous profits for terrorists and corporations alike. The trade illustrates with the hard clarity of the gem itself that no matter where human rights violations occur, the world ignores them at its peril. Read the entire story here.

Foreign Policy Magazine sat down with the film’s director, Ed Zwick, to talk about conflict diamonds, child soldiers, and the responsibilities of a consumer society. Click here to read the interview. The also include an excellent photo essay by Kadir Van Lohuizen.

The issue is not just in Africa. What many believe might become the largest diamond mine in the world has been discovered in the Amazon on the reservation of one of Brazil’s indigenous tribes, the Cinta Larga, and mining is illegal on all of Brazil’s Indian lands. The fight for control has begun. Learn about it from Frontline’s story Jewel of the Amazon.

Also, The History Channel has produced a provocative documentary about how conflict diamonds in Africa have been a means to power, a reason to terrorize millions of innocent civilians, and may have even helped finance some of the world’s most brutal terrorists.  Click here for more information and to see video clips from the program.