Q: What are so-called "conflict" diamonds?
A: The term refers to the fighting over diamond mines that fuels and sometimes funds violent civil conflicts in many African countries. The illegal trafficking of these diamonds have led to human atrocities and violence in several African nations and elsewhere around the world. Millions of innocent people suffer as a result. With some mined and used by rebel movements as a revenue stream to fuel armed conflict, it was difficult for diamond buyers and consumers to know whether the gems they were purchasing were underwriting the overthrow of legitimate governments in African countries through the purchase of these gems. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, which bears legislative authority over international trade, I led bipartisan efforts in the U.S. Senate that would put the United States on track to help put an end to this blood-stained diamond trade. It's a trade issue, a consumer issue and above all, a human rights issue. Scores of Iowans contacted my office to advocate action by the U.S. to stop the trade of conflict diamonds. Diamonds are a valuable natural resource for Africa. Through legitimate international sales, the diamond trade ought to benefit the peace-loving people of Africa, not the violent rebel minority. The illegal trafficking of these gems has wrought devastating consequences to innocent families and children.
Q: What is the Kimberley Process?
A: The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme refers to an international effort developed by the United Stats and other nations to remove conflict diamonds from legitimate diamond trade. My bill would ensure the U.S. assumes certain responsibilities of participation, including the proper certification of imported and exported rough diamonds. Moreover, the United States only may trade with the countries participating in the Kimberley Process. The plan establishes minimal acceptable standards for cross-border diamond trading. More than 50 countries, human rights advocacy groups, the diamond industry and other non-governmental organizations for more than two years negotiated in the agreement. The next plenary session of the Kimberley Process is scheduled at the end of April in Johannesburg. I'm urging my colleagues on Capitol Hill to swiftly consider and pass my bipartisan Clean Diamond Trade Act. The sooner we act, the sooner we can restore legitimacy to the diamond trade and help bring peace and stability to those areas which long have suffered under brutality and warfare financed through the illegal trafficking of conflict diamonds.