A "Conflict Diamond," also known as a "blood diamond," refers to a diamond mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict against governments. These diamonds often come from regions where human rights abuses, including forced labor and violence, are prevalent. The sale of conflict diamonds has been linked to prolonged civil wars and suffering in countries like Sierra Leone and Angola.
To combat the trade of conflict diamonds, the Kimberley Process was established in 2003. This international certification scheme aims to ensure that diamonds are sourced from conflict-free areas. While it has made some progress, challenges remain in effectively monitoring and enforcing compliance among diamond-producing nations.