Blood Diamonds
Definition: Also known as conflict diamonds, these are diamonds that are illegally mined and traded in order to finance rebellions or war zones, war efforts, or war activities. Blood diamonds typically come from central or western Africa, in countries such as Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, and Zimbabwe.
Besides the illegal funding, mining for conflict diamonds also contributes to unacceptable work conditions for underpaid miners and children who are forced to mine. Cases where miners have been killed, tortured, beaten, or raped have surfaced.
Despite the fact that the Kimberly Process(an internationl certification process cataloging imports/exports) has been put in place, controversy persists (due to corrupt government officials), and sources claim that the only real way not to support blood diamonds is by boycotting them completely and choosing other gems.
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