The Ugly Truth Behind Blood Diamonds

A diamond is priceless, but the worth of a life is beyond estimate. Still, in the so-called 'Godforsaken' countries in Africa, greed for power and riches outweighs human life. There, people are stripped off their identities, and when mass casualties becomes a part of daily affairs, even the world is blithely unconcerned save for those gasps along with our daily dosage of news.

Following supermodel Naomi Campbell's confession of receiving uncut diamonds as s gift from the then Liberian President Charles Taylor, who is on trial for crimes against humanity, the whole business of 'blood diamonds' is taking centre-stage again.

Looking at his photograph, Charles McArthur Taylor - the 22nd president of Liberia - looks hardly scary. But behind that sober countenance lies a man who is charged for instigating murder, rape, mutilation and conscription of child soldiers during the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone which killed 250,000 people.

Taylor's path to power was deceitful like any other leader. When his friendship with Liberian President Samuel Doe turned sour, he fled to Libya where he underwent guerilla training under Gaddafi. Coupled with adequate funding from the Libyan leader, Taylor formed the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) to thwart the Doe regime leading to Liberia's first civil war in 1989.

Neighboring nation Sierra Leone too was then plagued by civil war where people fought to gain control of its diamond mines. Taylor is accused of backing the rebelling Revolutionary United Front (RUF) of Sierra Leone, funding them and supplying illegal arms in exchange for 'blood diamonds' as UN had embargoed arm supply to the civil war-torn country.

The diamond takes its name from its sale to finance civil wars. RUF made locals work like slaves while the profit went to the hands of warlords like Taylor and big businessmen. The rich diamond mines were more like a curse than a boon for the poor locals.

Thousands lost their lives, many were mutilated to prevent them from voting and children were abducted and employed as soldiers during RUF's reign of terror, with Taylor reaping all the benefits.

By the time these 'blood diamonds' finally end up in market, they become untainted and legal just like any other diamond. Even the consumer will be totally unaware of the entire shady business behind it.

It was Canadian ambassador Robert Fowler who submitted a report to the UN throwing light on the foul diamond business which was responsible for civil wars in Africa. Following this, 40 nations signed the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme which checks the flow of conflict diamonds into the mainstream market.

'Blood Diamond' (2006) - the Hollywood flick starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Djimon Hounsou is based on the above events. The film directed by Edward Zwick was nominated for five Academy Awards then. Thanks to Zwick, even I realised the gravity of the situation after watching this particular movie. No one can escape the eyes of law for long, and Taylor is now facing the consequences of his acts.

Though it accounts for only 15% of all diamonds, conflict diamonds still find their way to the markets. The diamond has been considered a symbol of love and purity for ages, and it's  saddening to know that even this priceless gem is tainted by the blood and tears of poor people.