Stop the Trading of Conflict Diamonds

Dear Mr. Harper,

We are writing to express our concerns regarding the trade of conflict diamonds and the lack of regular, independent monitoring in the Kimberley Process. As consumers and global citizens we are shocked at the terror and misery that diamonds have brought to innocent civilians in Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola.

We applaud the Canadian government's dedication to addressing the issue of conflict diamonds. However we feel that there is still more to be done. Without a system of expert, independent and periodic reviews of all countries, the overall process remains open to abuse.

We urge you, Mr. Prime Minister, to restore our confidence in the diamond industry and Canada's commitment to ending the trade of conflict diamonds. As a participating country in the Kimberley Process we request that you state your support for regular, independent monitoring.

The citizens of African countries where diamonds are fueling and funding conflict deserve strong industry efforts to end the trade in conflict diamonds. Consumers in Canada have the right to buy diamonds that are not funding violent conflict. Please act to ensure that diamonds are a source of development rather than war.