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Conflict
Diamonds
Conflict Diamonds
What are conflict diamonds?
According to the World
Diamond Council, “In the late 1990’s, the world became aware that rebel armies
in parts of Central and Western Africa were illegally using the diamond trade
to fund conflict against legitimate, internationally recognized
governments.
The rebels used inhumane
practices, including torture and slavery, to extract diamonds from the
region. These diamonds became known as
conflict diamonds, also referred to as ‘blood diamonds.’
Putting a stop to this human
rights crisis became one of the highest priorities for governments, the United
Nations, the diamond industry, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).”
The jewelry industry and the
diamond industry have a zero-tolerance policy regarding the trade in conflict
diamonds.
Without a doubt, Alvaro
Coronado has a zero-tolerance policy as well.
What has been done to eliminate
conflict diamonds?
The Kimberley Process is law
in 69 countries and is backed by the United Nations. Under the Kimberley Process, rough diamonds
are sealed in tamper resistant containers and certified conflict-free by a
strict system of forgery-resistant documents and serial numbers. This documentation is re-certified each time
a rough diamond crosses an international border.
Alvaro Coronado trades with
companies who strictly adhere to the Kimberley Process.
How can Alvaro Coronado be sure? How
can you buy with confidence?
To further safeguard the
legitimate diamond supply, companies selling diamonds, must provide a written
statement to all retailers declaring that their diamonds are from sources free
from conflict.
Alvaro Coronado only does
business with diamond suppliers who provide such a written statement.
Alvaro Coronado makes absolutely
no exceptions.
What has been achieved? Read the good news.
As a result of the Kimberley
Process, more than 99% of all diamonds are from sources free from
conflict. The industry continues to work
towards 100% eradication and those efforts are supported by Alvaro Coronado and
his company by strictly adhering to good buying diamond practices.
How do diamonds help the people of
Africa? “The diamond Industry is vital to the
Southern African Economy.”----Nelson
Mandela
1. 65% of the world’s diamonds come from
African countries
2. Revenues from the diamond industry
help provide necessary counseling, testing, education, treatment programs,
clinics and hospices for HIV/AIDS patients.
3. An estimated 10 million people
globally are directly or indirectly supported by the diamond industry.
4. Approximately 5 million people have
access to health care due to diamond revenues.
5. The $8.4 billion African diamond
industry is a fundamental pillar of African economy.
6. The charity, Jewelers of Children,
funds a community-based care program for South African orphans.
The resource information
provided herein regard conflict diamonds comes from the World Diamond Council
and www.diamondfacts.org
