Conflict diamonds are gems which are obtained in association with human rights abuses, child labor, violence, or severe environmental damage. In the 1990s, many of the world's diamonds came from Africa, particularly regions undergoing civil unrest. Rebel armies in parts of Africa were exploiting alluvial diamond fields to fund their wars against established governments, putting people and the environment in the middle of their conflicts. Diamonds obtained as a result of these activities are called conflict diamonds.