Education Homework
bugsbunny
Chapter-22updated2023.pptChapter 22
West Africa
Essential Question: Why has it been difficult to stop the flow of conflict diamonds?
Conflict Diamond: diamonds that are mined in war-torn areas and used to finance wars.
History
- First used and mined 2500 years ago
- Was a symbol of wealth and nobility
- Originally a rare engagement present
Mary of Burgundy - first known recipient of a diamond engagement ring in 1477.
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Diamond Mining
Africa controls 65% of the Worlds diamonds.
- South Africa
- Namibia
- Botswana
- Republic of Congo
- Sierra Leone
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- Largely Monopolized
- De Beers
- 60% market share
- Centered in Johannesburg, South Africa
- Uses strict supply controls
- “sightholders”
- Questioned social and environmental policies
- Indicted and fined $10 million in U.S. antitrust suit
- $81.4 billion/year industry as of 2014
The Diamond Industry
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De Beers
- Advertising Campaign
- “A diamond is forever”
- Manipulating demand through cultural means
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Blood Diamonds
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How countries like Nigeria and Sierra Leone are affected:
Blood Diamonds
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This seventeen-year-old lost both hands to rebelsﾕ machetes.
What are blood diamonds?
Also called “Conflict Diamonds,” Blood diamonds are “diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the Security Council” ~United Nations General Assembly
December 1, 2001
Blood Diamonds
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Why the diamond is such an easily traded commodity?
Large Amount of Wealth in Small Size
Form of Currency
Blood Diamonds
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Where does the Blood Diamond Trade occur?
Blood Diamonds
Botswana
South Africa
Namibia
Angola
Sierra Leone
Nigeria
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How countries like Nigeria and Sierra Leone are affected:
Rebel Forces Use Diamonds to Finance Arms Purchases
Blood Diamonds
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What is being done to curb the trade of these diamonds?
Kimberley Process
- Fully Implemented in August 2003 after 52 nations Ratified
- Certification System for rough diamonds
- Also established national import and Export Standards
Blood Diamonds
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Before 2003, it was estimated that 25% of the worlds diamonds were conflict diamonds.
-After 2003, its estimated to be 5-10%.
Central African Republic: Diamonds banned
-in 2014 it is estimated rebel groups received 3.8-5.8 million from the sale of illicit diamonds.
Kimberley Process
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On the Left Side of Notes
Create a Poster educating people on blood diamonds
Canvas Review Question:
- How does the demand for diamonds in other parts of the world fuel civil war and conflict in Africa? (one paragraph)
2. What is the Connection Between Your Phone And Violence In The Congo? (one paragraph)
3. Using what you know about the trade in conflict diamonds, what would you say to the United Nations suggesting additional steps that could be taken to address the issue of conflict diamonds. (one paragraph)
