Issues: Conflict Diamonds

Conflict diamonds are diamonds illegally traded to fund conflict in war-torn areas, particularly in central and western Africa. These diamonds are also referred to as blood diamonds.

Because they are portable, easily hidden, high in value, and difficult to trace, diamonds are an easy target for smuggling and corruption.

Warlords in several underdeveloped African countries have forced tens of thousands of people to mine diamonds in brutal conditions, while using the proceeds to buy weapons.

When a civil war broke out in Sierra Leone, financed in part by the illicit diamond trade, the CRC became especially involved.

The Diamond War
How a CRC missionary helped pass the Clean Diamond Act. Read »

Advocacy
Help end the trade of conflict diamonds. Use Your Voice »

Educational Resources
Background, movies, speaker recommendations. Read »

The Church Speaks
The CRC is a member of the Interfaith Conflict Diamonds Roundtable. More »

Millennium Development Goals
Conflict Diamonds hold back the MDGs at every step. Learn How »