What are conflict diamonds?
Blood diamonds, also known as conflict diamonds, are defined by the UN as gems that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognised governments, and are used to fund military action against those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the UN security council.
They have funded conflicts in Africa that have led to the death and displacement of millions of people. Diamonds have also been used by terrorist groups such as al-Qaida to finance their activities and for money-laundering purposes. Read more...
Kanye West - Diamonds from Sierra Leone
American hip hop artist Kanye West released the track Diamonds from Sierra Leone in 2005 that highlights the lives of child workers in the diamond trade in West Africa. Watch the music video below.
