An international certification scheme to prevent the sale of conflict diamonds has recommended a six-month suspension on the importing and exporting of Zimbabwean rough diamonds.
The Kimberley Process, which has been investigating allegations of worsening humanitarian conditions in Zimbabwe’s diamond industry and a rise in smuggling (EP10, issue 9, p4), has said a ‘procedure to implement suspension of Zimbabwe from importing or exporting of rough diamonds’ with the organization’s membership is now necessary.
The recommendation, however, is not final. More measures are required, including meetings with the Zimbabwe government, before the suspension can be properly imposed. A final statement is expected during the next few months.
In an interim report on its findings so far, the UK-based non-governmental organization document many human rights abuses, including the ‘direct involvement of the military’ in illegal mining in the Marange diamond fields.
Kimberley’s members, across 75 countries, account for 99.8 per cent of the global production of rough diamonds. Diamond revenues provide Zimbabwe with $600million (£365m) a month.
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