Smart phones, tablets and laptops are now part of everyday life for many people.

But how many of us are aware that materials used in our modern technology are fuelling wars, violence and rape in many already extremely poor countries?

Minerals such as coltan, tungsten, tin, gold and tantalum - which are all used in electronic devices - often come from developing countries with little regard for the millions of people whose lives are adversely affected by the trade.

In Colombia, illegal armed groups benefit from the trade in minerals, with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) estimated to raise perhaps up to 20 per cent of its funds from Colombia's gold trade.

Father Sterlin Londoño, from the Diocese of Quibdo in Colombia, helps communities that have been driven from their land during the country's long-running civil war. Conflict over the land for mining is fuelling instability and violence.

Fr Sterlin told us: "In principle, it is okay to mine. Natural resources can be used to benefit all of mankind and communities here have been undertaking small-scale, traditional mining for decades.

"But any mining must take place only with the full and informed consent of the communities who live on the land ... Losing the land will mean losing everything; their home, their source of food and work, their very way of life."

In the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the trade in minerals is causing widespread abuse of human rights including murder and rape.

Rebel militias and the army have made millions through illegal taxation and control of the trade, while inflicting appalling suffering on local people.

Teresa Mapenzi, one of Sciaf's partners, helps women and girls affected by sexual violence in South Kivu. She told us: "The rebels come to the village at night and people are taken hostage. Men are forced to mine coltan and gold, and women are used as sexual slaves and cooks.

"There is no control from the authorities. Some even profit from the trade. Minerals from conflict areas are cheaper. But buying minerals from conflict areas fuels conflict and finances war.

"European companies should source materials in good ways. If things are done in a way that respects human rights and women's dignity we can reduce this problem."

The global trade in these minerals was worth more than €125 billion in 2013, with the European Union (EU) responsible for almost one quarter of that.

Yet there is no EU law requiring companies to ensure the minerals they use have not funded violence.

The European Commission has proposed a voluntary self-certification scheme, but Sciaf and others are campaigning for them to go much further.

The range of companies covered by the law must be broadened to include those that import components and finished products into the EU.

The materials covered should also include any that are mined or come from trade that may contribute to human rights abuses and conflict.

We are urging people in Scotland to lobby their MEPs to help strengthen European legislation before a key vote on the proposed legislation takes place next week.

I would encourage everyone to visit our website and ask their MEPs to ensure that strong EU legislation helps control trade in these minerals.

Sciaf has seen the devastation caused by the deadly trade in conflict minerals in many places. It's time we all knew where the materials in our smart phones, laptops and other electronic devices come from.

Only then can we be sure that we're not supporting war, violence against women, or the widespread abuse of human rights.

Alistair Dutton is the Director of the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (Sciaf).

To take action and find out more, visit www.sciaf.org.uk/campaigns