KP Watchdog Video on "Unspoken Realities" of Diamond Mining
April 17, 25
(IDEX Online) - A new video documents "the unspoken realities of large-scale diamond mining" in Sierra Leone, Lesotho, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Beyond Shining Illusions is produced by the Kimberley Process Civil Society Coalition (KP CSC), the umbrella organization that acts as a Kimberley Process (KP) observer.
The KP CSC has, in the past, criticized the KP for not adequately addressing diamond mining-related violence and human rights abuses.
It says the KP claim that 99 per cent of diamonds are now conflict-free "eclipses persistent and systemic challenges on the ground" and it calls for a broader definition of the term.
"Conflict free" applies only to rebel movements or their allies using diamonds to finance armed conflicts aimed at undermining legitimate governments, and has remained unchanged since the KP was founded in 2003.
It excludes diamonds funding violence by state actors, human rights abuses, or environmental harm linked to government-backed operations.
The 17-minute video includes interviews with local residents and artisanal miners directly affected by large-scale diamond mining operations.
They speak of violence by security forces protecting mining operations, and of air and water pollution due to blasting and tailings management practices.
"The documentary aims to shed light on issues that are today overlooked," said KP CSC.
"To go behind the marketing lines, demand real change and foster meaningful discussion on the ways the sector can fulfill its potential to do good for communities."
Videograb of artisanal diamond miners from Beyond Shining Illusions.