With holiday shopping upon us, we have the opportunity to make jewelry purchasing choices that highlight peace in one of the deadliest conflict zones in the world.
To the Editor,
During the holiday season, our gifts carry a message of love. In the spirit of this season, we have the opportunity to allow our gifts to also carry a message of peace.
With holiday shopping upon us, we have the opportunity to make jewelry purchasing choices that highlight peace in one of the deadliest conflict zones in the world. According to a recently-released report from The Center for American Progress’s “Enough Project,” Tiffany & Co. and Signet Jewelers are leading the efforts to ensure their gold jewelry is part of the solution to violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Congo is home to the deadliest conflict since World War II, with over 5.4 million people dead. Gold is illegally mined and traded by armed groups, helping fund their atrocities. One part of the solution is to ensure that jewelry companies engage with their own supply chains and create a demand for conflict-free gold from Congo to support programs for local mining communities.
All jewelry companies have the opportunity to help break the link between gold and violence in Congo. This holiday season, we have the opportunity to pursue peace as we profess our love. Let that be a conscious thought as you return home and shop this month.
Luke Kubacki is a student at Ohio University.
