CRS Works With Congress to Pass Legislation Halting the Funding of Rebel Groups

Catholic Relief Services
Friday, 11 April 2003

Working with Catholic Relief Services and a coalition of humanitarian organizations, Congress passed legislation today eliminating illegally trafficked rough diamonds—a key funding source for some of the world's most brutal regimes and rebel groups.

"Passage of the Clean Diamond Trade Act protects Americans from underwriting the cost of warfare and human rights abuses in Africa," said Kenneth Hackett, Executive Director of CRS. "It has been a privilege for CRS to work with Congress to ensure that the U.S. takes the lead in stopping the atrocities fueled by illegal diamonds."

The legislation—introduced by Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) in the Senate and by Rep. Amo Houghton (R-NY) in the House—will put in place an international system known as the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme, which is designed to halt the trade of illegally mined rough diamonds. The certification will be instrumental in eliminating the United States' inadvertent import of so-called "conflict diamonds," gems that have been traded for arms that have fueled decades-long wars and atrocities in Africa and have reportedly financed al-Qaeda activities.

CRS, joining the Campaign to Eliminate Conflict Diamonds, a coalition of more than 150 humanitarian, human rights and faith organizations, have worked with the diamond industry and legislators for several years to both develop the certification system and to craft legislation mandating its use. More than 50 countries, including all the major diamond-producing and trading nations, have agreed to participate in the certification system, which will effectively stem the global trade of conflict diamonds. The agency and coalition now turn to the Bush Administration to work on the legislation's effective implementation.

Through its long history in the region, CRS has been witness to the brutal conflicts fueled by the unregulated purchase of rough diamonds from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Sierra Leone and other war-torn countries in Africa. In these countries, diamond revenues have been used to purchase weapons to wage war against civilians and commit egregious human rights abuses, including rape, amputation and the use of child soldiers.

For more information, or to contact Catholic Relief Services, see their website at: www.catholicrelief.org