Conflict resource

Conflict Resource

A conflict resource is a natural resource extracted in a conflict zone and sold to perpetuate the fighting. There is growing international awareness of the role that natural resources can play in fueling armed conflict and human rights abuses. This article explores the definition, examples, and implications of conflict resources, as well as international efforts to address the issue.

Definition

Conflict resources are commodities that are extracted from areas experiencing armed conflict and are used to finance continued fighting. These resources often include minerals, timber, and other valuable materials. The extraction and sale of these resources can exacerbate violence and instability in the region.

Examples of Conflict Resources

Blood Diamonds

One of the most well-known examples of conflict resources is blood diamonds, also known as conflict diamonds. These are diamonds mined in war zones and sold to finance insurgencies, warlord activities, and invading armies. The term gained prominence during the brutal civil wars in Sierra Leone and Angola in the 1990s.

Coltan

Coltan, short for columbite-tantalite, is a mineral used in the production of electronic devices. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a major source of coltan, and its extraction has been linked to funding armed groups in the region.

Oil

Oil is another significant conflict resource. In countries like Sudan and Iraq, oil revenues have been used to fund military operations and sustain conflict.

Implications of Conflict Resources

The trade in conflict resources has several negative implications:

• Human Rights Violations: The extraction of conflict resources often involves severe human rights abuses, including forced labor, child labor, and violence against local populations.
• Environmental Degradation: The unregulated extraction of resources can lead to significant environmental damage, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution.
• Economic Instability: While conflict resources can generate significant revenue, they often lead to economic instability and corruption, as profits are funneled to armed groups rather than invested in local development.

International Efforts to Address Conflict Resources

Kimberley Process

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was established in 2003 to prevent "conflict diamonds" from entering the mainstream rough diamond market. It is a joint initiative involving governments, industry, and civil society to ensure that diamond purchases do not fund violence.

Dodd-Frank Act

In the United States, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act includes provisions requiring companies to disclose their use of conflict minerals, such as coltan, tin, tungsten, and gold, sourced from the DRC and neighboring countries.

United Nations

The United Nations has passed several resolutions aimed at curbing the trade in conflict resources. These include sanctions and embargoes on the trade of specific resources from conflict zones.

Conclusion

Conflict resources pose a significant challenge to global peace and security. While international efforts have made progress in addressing the issue, ongoing vigilance and cooperation are required to ensure that natural resources do not continue to fuel violence and human rights abuses.

See Also

• Resource curse
• Blood diamond
• Coltan
• Kimberley Process

References

• Global Witness. "Conflict Resources." [1]
• United Nations. "Conflict Resources." [2]