step seven: taking action

Support the CRC Support the Optional Protocol Take Part in the Global Movement for Children Work with NGOs Join an Online Discussion Control Small Arms Research Recruitment Policies	Advocate for Birth Registration Make Art Work Speak Up Survey Your Community Create a Quiz Raise Awareness

Stop Illegally-Mined Diamonds

Help stop the trade of "blood diamonds," a resource providing revenue to armed groups and encouraging the use of child soldiers.

Background
Sierra Leone, Liberia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have many mineral-rich areas that could contribute to the countries' struggling economies. But in many parts of these countries, mining areas are under control of armed opposition groups. These groups illegally mine, transport, and export minerals, such as diamonds, to countries around the world. The profits from this trade are used by armed groups to buy weapons and continue civil conflicts; thus, these illegally mined diamonds have come to be known as "blood diamonds". The continuation of armed conflicts fueled by this illegal trade directly impacts children, who are recruited to fight in these armed groups. Children may also be used to mine and transport "blood diamonds". In other countries around the world, similar groups trade in diamonds, minerals, and oil helps to perpetuate armed conflicts.

Follow Up
The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1314 (2000) commits governments to take measures against the illicit trade in natural resources. Read the resolution text. In July 2000, the International Diamond Manufacturers Association and the World Federation of Diamond Bourses agreed on a global certification scheme for rough diamonds in order to clearly identify their origins. Countries knowingly involved in illegal diamond trading would lose their export accreditation.

In Moscow, Russia, in July 2001, 34 nations agreed on minimum acceptable standards for an international certification system, aimed at helping track sales and exports of diamonds and stopping trade in stones from countries at war.

Take Action
Find out whether your country took part in these meetings. What are your country's policies on illicit trade in natural resources? Contact a few companies that deal with these natural resources and find out what they are doing about this issue.

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