Morally Bankrupt World Diamond Council Claims Zimbabwe’s Diamonds “Not Strictly Conflict”

~ Editorial comment by Marc Choyt

In my previous post, I discussed how nearly every civil society would consider Zimbabwe diamonds as conflict diamonds, given the widespread documentation of atrocities that have taken place there. Yet these diamonds from Zimbabwe, are already being openly sold to diamentiers in India at 25% under market outside of the Kimberley Process. This is the first case that I know of in which “conflict diamonds” are openly being purchased and sold.

Now, news from the WDC, the propaganda arm of the diamond sector, tells us such diamonds are “not strictly conflict” in Money Biz. This new “not strictly conflict” classification on behalf of the WDC attempts to justify morally reprehensible trade. It undermines the credibility of that organization and the jewelry sector as a whole.

Not only does Kimberley not consider human rights and environment in their certification, but now even diamonds from conflict areas can be sold as “conflict free”. When considering how Kimberley is now going to certify conflict diamonds as “conflict free” I am reminded of these often quoted lines from Yeats:

“Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world”

Those interested in restoring any kind of moral fiber to sourcing in the jewelry sector can view this anarchy as an opportunity. We must continue to further educate the public about what is really taking place.

We must support only mine to market custody in the purchasing of diamonds.

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