Conflict Diamond Issue Still With Us - June.2002
The conflict diamond issue has been a little quieter lately, but it’s not
going away. Last week, "60 Minutes" did a story on how Canadian
diamonds and how they are "cleaner" than other stones. And recently,
the Diamond Registry received a letter from Saint Pius X High School in
Pottstown, Pennsylvania stating:
"We are writing to simply question you on your awareness of the
"conflict diamond" issue … We agree with Amnesty International that
a diamond certification system must be established as soon as possible and that
it must be effective, transparent and legally binding in all countries. We also
believe that effective national legislation controlling the diamond trade must
be introduced in all countries which are involved in the trade, or through which
diamonds are smuggled. Finally, we support Amnesty in its call for governments
to take decisive action to bring to justice those responsible for the trade in
diamonds and weapons with the RUF and other human rights abusers.
We urge you to become aware of the problem of conflict diamonds and the abuse
that is connected with them. We also urge you to take strong action in support
of the Kimberley Process and "clean diamond" legislation."
Our response:
We at the Diamond Registry, a family business since 1961, have worked
closely with the U.S. Congress through Linda White of the International Trade
Commission (ITC) to help enact legislation that is line with the Kimberley
Process and is endorsed by the World Diamond Council. All of our rough suppliers
are required to prove country of origin and proper documentation showing that
the stones are non-conflict diamonds.
As a survivor of the European Holocaust, who saw all of his classmates
murdered, I sympathize with all children who are victims and only wish there
were compassionate youth like you when I was younger.
Right now, the Kimberley Process is close to finishing its work. There is a
cease-fire in both Sierra Leone and Angola and hopefully this is a sign that
people will finally beat their swords into plowshares. Hopefully, by the time
you are ready to get your engagement rings, we will have peace on Earth and won’t
have to worry about these matters . v |