STEVEN SWINDELLS, Cape Town | Friday
THE diamond industry is stalling on its pledge to clamp down on so-called ”conflict diamonds” that have fuelled civil wars across Africa, an influential human rights group has charged.
Global Witness urged diamond firms, including industry giant De Beers, and producer governments to speed up agreed measures to stop the trade in illegal gem sales.
”The diamond industry hasn’t implemented anything, that’s the core problem. It’s stalled for time, waiting for government legislation,” said Alex Yearsley, spokesman for the London-based rights group.
He was speaking on the sidelines of a conference attended by some of southern Africa’s leading diamond industry representatives.
The rights group, which was key in bringing the trade in ”conflict diamonds” to the attention of the international community, said the industry still faced a boycott threat as consumers were made aware of the damage illegal diamonds caused.
Mindful of the threat of a consumer boycott, the diamond industry and government officials have drawn up a series of measures to crack down on ”conflict stones,” including a certification scheme earmarked for inclusion in a United Nations charter in the middle of next year.
As it took delivery of specially printed certificates that should make it more difficult for rebel fighters to smuggle diamonds, the government of Sierra Leone this week lifted a ban on diamond exports.
”Conflict stones” have funded fighting in Angola and Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as Sierra Leone.
World leading diamond producers in southern African countries, such as Botswana, are concerned damage to the image of diamonds could ruin their legitimate diamond business, which brings in vital income and jobs.
De Beers, which estimates that less than four percent of the world trade in diamonds is from conflict areas, has urged the industry and government to do as much as possible to bring an end to the trade. – Reuters