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Diamond Exchange supports Liberia’s child protection program.

Diamond Exchange is committed to working to protect children from exploitation.

Liberia is recovering from almost two decades of civil war which resulted in many deaths, massive population displacement, the destruction of nearly all infrastructure, and the collapse of basic social services. The war was fueled by the exploitation of the region’s diamond wealth. The country was a hub for trade in conflict diamonds from Liberia, Sierra Leon and Angola.

In April 2007, the United Nations Security Council voted to lift a 2001 ban on the export of diamonds from Liberia. The ban was imposed to stop proceeds from the sale of so-called "blood diamonds" fueling rebel movement wars in West African nations. Liberia must now sign up to the Kimberley Process, the UN says, to ensure it does not revert to exporting conflict diamonds. The Kimberley Process is a UN-sanctioned initiative among governments, the international diamond industry and civil society designed to stem the flow of conflict diamonds.

By purchasing a Diamond of Hope, a certified conflict free diamond, you are providing Diamond Exchange Ltd. the opportunity to donate vital funds to protect children in Liberia.

Diamond Exchange Ltd. will donate 3% of the sale price to a leading international child protection agency in Liberia which undertakes and coordinates interventions with Non-Government Organisation (NGO) partners.

Through working with partners, Diamond Exchange Ltd. will donate to help build community based support networks -- such as child welfare committees, children’s clubs, and youth groups -- which provide essential psycho-social and family reunification support to vulnerable children.

The Children’s Unit in the Ministry of Gender and Development is also being strengthened to monitor the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In aid of juvenile justice, Diamond Exchange will also donate to support the National Child Rights Observatory Group, an independent body for monitoring and following up on child rights violations.

Diamond Exchange Ltd. will donate so that there can be collaboration with the UN Civilian Police in the training of the new Liberian National Police on child rights, child protection, and on the management and investigation of sexual and gender based violence. This includes working with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and NGO partners to ensure that the care and protection services provided to children living in orphanages meet basic international standards and protects the best interests of children.

Recently, there has been improvement in the protection of children from violence, exploitation and abuse, but there is still much to be done. The child protection projects aim for lasting change.

Since the end of the conflict, and as a result of this work, a total of 11,780 children associated with fighting forces have been disarmed, demobilised and reunited with their families. With schooling, vocational training and therapy there is hope that these children will one day lead happy health lives.