Blood diamonds, also known as conflict diamonds, are diamonds that are mined in war zones or areas of conflict and sold to finance armed conflict against governments. The trade of blood diamonds has been associated with human rights abuses, child labor, forced labor, and the financing of armed conflicts, leading to immense suffering and devastation in affected regions.

The term "blood diamond" gained blood diamonds global attention in the late 1990s and early 2000s when conflicts in countries like Sierra Leone, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo brought the issue to the forefront. These conflicts were fueled by the trade of rough diamonds, which were used to fund rebel groups and sustain their activities.

To address this issue, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was established in 2003. The Kimberley Process aims to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds by implementing strict regulations and certification systems. Participating countries are required to implement internal controls, certify that their diamonds are conflict-free, and ensure that they are transported with proper documentation.

However, despite the efforts of the Kimberley Process, there have been criticisms of its effectiveness and enforcement. Some challenges include loopholes in the system, lack of transparency, and the difficulty of monitoring and regulating the diamond supply chain effectively.