The trade in conflict diamonds-gems that are used to fund warfare and civilian atrocities - has caused untold suffering in Sierra Leone as a result of a decade-long civil war. The brutal tactics of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), who routinely practice mutilation of innocent civilians, notably amputation of limbs and other body parts; forced recruitment of child soldiers, and abduction of women to be soldiers' "wives," are all tactics intended to maintain their reign over these lucrative resources.

Seeking to end the trade in conflict diamonds is a key route to ending the tragedy in Sierra Leone - and indeed elsewhere, including Angola. The way to do this is to establish an international diamond certification system that seeks to ensure that conflict diamonds are kept out of the retail market. Legislation before the US Congress moves that effort forward..

In the past week, faith-based advocates and NGOs seeking to prevent the marketing of conflict diamonds have reached a compromise with the diamond industry that addresses most of our earlier concerns with current legislation. Here is what has happened.

Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Michael DeWine (R-OH) have introduced the Clean Diamonds Act (S 1084). The legislation will create a system to prohibit the US import of conflict diamonds and impose serious penalties upon those who trade in them. Given the endorsement by both the World Diamond Council and NGOs, this bill will presumably render the industry bill (the Conflict Diamonds Act, S 787), sponsored by Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH), dead.

The House counterpart (HR 918, also entitled the Clean Diamonds Act) continues to be supported in the House by faith-based and NGO communities, and it remains an active bill. Introduced by Reps. Tony Hall (D-OH) and Frank Wolf (R-VA), it was countered by a weak industry version known as the Conflict Diamond Act. The key bones of contention were that (1) the industry wanted to exclude jewelry, which worried advocates because it seemed to allow the possibility that RUF rebels in Sierra Leone might simply attach a cheap stud or ring to a diamond and thereby avoid these restrictions; (2) there was no time line for implementation in the industry bill; and (3) penalties were weak in their legislation.

The new Senate compromise bill includes jewelry, provides a deadline (while allowing the President to grant extensions), and subjects violators to strong civil and criminal penalties, including confiscation of diamonds and the blocking of US assets. It spells out details of the certification system, while allowing for that system to be superceded by an international agreement if the US is a party to such an agreement. The bill also authorizes $5 million to aid countries that have financial difficulties implementing the system of controls. It creates a presidential advisory commission, with equal membership to NGOs and the diamond industry. A labeling system, which the House version permitted, by which jewelers could reassure their customers that their diamonds were "conflict-free," was dropped as unnecessary.

Given these new circumstances that have emerged in the last several days, we urge the following action: Urge the Trade Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee to "mark-up" - bring up for consideration, amendment, and action - the Clean Diamond Act (HR 918) as presently introduced. This will provide Ways and Means the chance to substitute the Senate compromise version and move the bill forward in the House.

Once that is accomplished, urge your member of Congress to support the Clean Diamond Act. Urge your Senators to support the Clean Diamond Act (S 1084) as introduced in the Senate.

General Assembly Notes:

The 1996 General Assembly called on the United States government to provide strong support for human rights through its international economic policies, especially in foreign assistance and trade.

The 211th General Assembly (1999) noted that the conditions in Africa "receive inadequate attention in the media, as well as inadequate attention and response by our elected officials and members of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The wars and resulting human rights abuses rage on a continent where the Presbyterian Church (USA) has given the lifeblood of mission workers and invested resources over generations." The 211th General Assembly "focuses heightened attention, advocacy, and compassionate response appropriate to the gravity and magnitude of the situation in Africa. These efforts will include resources of intercessory prayer, study and education, publicity, public policy advocacy, pastoral care, and generous giving."

Written by Leon Spencer, Executive Director, Washington Office on Africa, and staff of the Presbyterian Church (USA).