Program Overview

Partnership Africa Canada (PAC), in collaboration with the International Peace Information Service (IPIS) in Belgium and the Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD) in Sierra Leone, launched the Human Security and the International Diamond Trade in Africa program in January 2001. This research-action program aims to ensure that the international diamond industry operates legally, openly and for the primary benefit of the countries where the diamonds originate, becoming an asset for, rather than a detriment to, peaceful long-term development. Diamonds are central to the economy of conflicts in several countries in Africa, fuelling the conflicts and motivating those who benefit from the continuation of war. Until the diamond-producing areas and the diamond trade are brought under the control of legitimate authorities and managed both responsibly and legally, there can be no sustainable peace or improvement to the human security and living standard of the populations in the affected areas. 

Background to the program

This program builds on the success of a study by Partnership Africa Canada of the Sierra Leone diamond trade and its international connections which resulted in the publication of The Heart of the Matter: Sierra Leone, Diamonds and Human Security in January 2000. The study demonstrates the centrality of diamonds to the brutal conflict in Sierra Leone. The report describes the diamond industry in Sierra Leone and the chain of intermediaries between miner and jeweler, as it existed at the beginning of 2000.

Much has changed since then, in part because of this report and the work of many concerned individuals, organizations and governments.

De Beers, for example, has stopped buying 'outside' diamonds entirely, and has dramatically restructured its operations. The Belgian Government has tightened its controls, and the Diamond High Council in Belgium has worked closely with the Governments of Sierra Leone and Angola to develop a tamper-proof certification system for rough diamond exports. The Diamond High Council is presently working with Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea and Congo to develop similar certification systems. In July 2000, the diamond industry at large created the World Diamond Council which has developed proposals for an international system of rough diamond controls. Through 2000, a series of intergovernmental meetings took place in Europe and Southern Africa in an attempt to develop standard international legislation aimed at curtailing the trade in conflict diamonds.

Although much has changed in the international diamond industry since January 2000, wars in Sierra Leone, Angola and Congo continue. There is still trade in conflict and illicit diamonds in many other countries of Africa and throughout the rest of the world. At the end of 2000, the United Nations Security Council released Panel of Expert reports on Sierra Leone and Angola. These reports provide new information on how diamonds are smuggled into the international system and provide recommendations aimed at curtailing the flow of weapons and diamonds.

The Human Security and the International Diamond Trade in Africa program will build on past research activities as part of the international effort to end diamond-related conflict.

Project Objectives and Outcomes

Phase II aims to expand the work of Phase I, creating a wider body of knowledge on the issue of 'conflict diamonds', and creating an international coalition of researchers and activists who can benefit from each other's work in the search for lasting solutions to diamond-related conflict. This program will be implemented through a partnership of Canadian, African and European non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The program aims to strengthen the capacity of African civil society in research and advocacy and to bring African researchers, activists and policy-makers more directly into results-oriented debate and discussion on the issue of conflict diamonds.

The project will widen the scope of investigation on producing countries in Africa and their neighbours, as well as the major trading, cutting and polishing centres (Belgium, Israel, the United States, India, Switzerland).

Through a series of interconnected studies and public information activities, this Phase II program aims to achieve:

• improved policy-related understanding of the role played by economic agendas in civil conflict;
• significant advancement on issues related to diamond identification and tracking, including much better understanding of the technological potential, as well as the creation and enhancement over time of internationally agreed systems of certification;
• identification and isolation of specific illicit trading and laundering systems;
• development of effective international corporate codes of conduct for diamond-related investment in areas of conflict;
• significant improvement in the management of the diamond trade in Sierra Leone, a reduction in smuggling, and the fostering of a positive climate for foreign investment;
• better understanding of the diamond industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo and related policy options for the private sector and governments;
• wider knowledge of 'best practices' within the industry for mining, selling, the provision of security and community 'beneficiation';
• enhanced and evolving systems which ensure greater transparency on the question of countries of origin in all diamond trading centres, including Great Britain, Belgium , Israel, USA, Switzerland and India;
• policy options for industry and governmental diamond authorities on the monitoring of such systems, and greater overall transparency in the diamond industry as a whole.

An overarching operating principle for the program will be its strategic partnerships with organizations and researchers in countries under review.

Funders and Supporters

Following is a partial listing of the organizations providing financial support to the Human Security and the International Diamond Trade in Africa project. Partnership Africa Canada acknowledges the financial and organizational support of these groups and institutions.

The Canadian Auto Workers' Social Justice Fund
The Canadian Auto Workers' Social Justice Fund provides solidarity assistance to non-profit and humanitarian projects within Canada and around the world.

Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace
The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, a democratic movement for international solidarity, supports partners in the Third World in the pursuit of alternatives to unjust social, political and economic structures.

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Peacebuilding Fund
This Fund aims to assist countries in conflict in their efforts towards peace and stability.

Le Centre canadien d'étude et de coopération internationale (CECI)
The Canadian Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to fight poverty and exclusion in the developing world and in other countries.

CUSO - Canada
CUSO is a Canadian non-governmental organization which supports alliances for global social justice.

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade - Canada
The Peacebuilding and Human Security Division of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade contributes internationally to conflict prevention, peacebuilding and democratic development.

Department for International Development - United Kingdom
The Department for International Development is the government department responsible for promoting development and the reduction of poverty.

International Development Research Centre - Canada
The International Development Research Centre helps communities in the developing world find solutions to social, economic, and environmental problems through research.

Inter Pares - Canada
Canada Inter Pares is a Canadian non-governmental organization which supports people's efforts to rebuild community, and create the social cohesion necessary for healthy, caring societies.

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation - USA
The Program on Global Security and Sustainability aims to promote peace within and among countries, healthy ecosystems worldwide, and responsible reproductive choices.