Europe Must Do its Bit to Stop the Trade in Conflict Minerals

Aug 20, 2014 | The Guardian
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Almost a decade ago, my film Blood Diamond told the story of the illicit diamond trade and its funding of the bloody civil war in Sierra Leone. The reaction was profound as consumers came to understand the sparkly ring they bought in their local jewellery store could have brutal implications elsewhere.

But this story was never just about diamonds. Throughout the world, the demand for all natural resources is soaring. Yet tragically, local populations – especially in poorer nations – rarely benefit. Instead, revenues continue to fund conflict rather than development. We have an opportunity to help change that.