Conflict Diamonds

Conflict diamonds - (also called a converted diamond, blood diamond, hot diamond or a war diamond) refers to a diamond mined in a war zone, usually in Africa.

Rough diamonds have often been used by rebel forces to finance purchase of arms among other illegal activities. Neighboring and other countries can be used as trading and transit grounds for illicit diamonds. Once diamonds are brought into the market, their origin is difficult to trace and once polished, they can no longer be identified.

The Kimberly Process Certification Scheme was established in 2003 to prevent rebel groups from financing their was arms from diamond sales. I am happy to say that of the 74 countries that are a part of this scheme, India is one of them.

"Diamonds are forever" it is often said. But lives are not. We must spare people the ordeal of war, mutilations and death for the sake of conflict diamonds."