
Conflict diamonds
Conflict diamonds, also known as blood diamonds, are gemstones mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict against governments. These diamonds are often mined under brutal conditions, involving forced labor, human rights abuses, and violence. They gained global attention in the late 1990s, prompting international efforts to regulate the trade through the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which aims to ensure diamonds are sourced ethically. However, challenges remain in effectively enforcing these regulations and preventing conflict diamonds from entering the market. The issue highlights the complex interplay between consumer choices, ethical sourcing, and global conflicts.