More calls for diamond ban
2009-07-31 21:01
Special Report
A new commission meant to reform Zimbabwe’s repressive media laws has begun its work, three months after its members were appointed, the body says.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe says he doesn't expect the US sanctions on his country to be lifted soon.
Cape Town - Global Witness, which monitors the exploitation of natural resources, on Friday backed calls for a ban on trading in Zimbabwe diamonds due to human rights abuses in the mining of the gem.
A review by the Kimberley Process, set up to stop the trade in blood diamonds, visited the country earlier this month and reportedly recommended Zimbabwe's suspension from the scheme, which would ban international sales of the country's diamonds.
Global Witness campaigner Elly Harrowell said clear human rights abuses "entirely incompatible with the values and requirements of the scheme" had been uncovered in Zimbabwe.
"The Marange diamond fields have been the scene of horrific human rights violations, military activity, and rampant smuggling over the past year," she said.
"If member governments fail to take prompt and effective action by suspending Zimbabwe, consumer confidence will be seriously shaken, which will be a blow for diamond exporting countries and the industry alike."
Suspension would not be enough to solve Zimbabwe's problems, said Harrowell: governments participating in the Kimberley Process would need to actively support efforts in Zimbabwe to clean up their diamond industry.
The Kimberley Process was launched in 2003 to curb the flow of conflict diamonds into the mainstream market following wars in countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone.
- AFP