The theme for the conference is: “Diamonds and Social Responsibility – Real Solutions to Real Problems”, and it is understood that the situation in Zimbabwe is on of the key concerns to be debated.
“We will discuss the establishment and implementation of industry-wide ethical standards, source certification and how government and industry can work together to address the needs of the artisanal mining sector,” Rapaport said in a statement this week.
Controversy surrounds the Marange diamonds from east of Zimbabwe, where a discovery of the stones led to a diamond rush in 2006. Human rights organisations have, over the years, revealed human rights violations perpetrated by the country’s uniformed forces at the fields.
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We are diamond polishers and buyers.
My question is, how can you get the diamonds from legitimate places and benefit the local producers? Seems counterproductive to punish a whole industry and work force. Not to mention it isn’t solving the perceived problems.