Swiss Group Urges Ban on Marange Diamonds from Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe will not see itself free to sell its controversial Marange field diamonds if the Swiss have their way. An international development organization called “Bread for All” located in Switzerland said that the definition of “Blood Diamonds” needed to be amended to include human rights violations by government forces.
The organization which is backed by protestant churches in Switzerland said that the current definition refers to the rebel forces only and is a loophole which allows the Harare government to market the controversial diamonds under the Kimberley Process.
Bread for All is the local partner of Zimbabwe Advocacy Office which has been reporting ongoing human rights violations in Zimbabwe’s Chiadzwa and Marange diamond mines. Marlon Zakeyo, the head of the Zimbabwe Advocacy Office in Geneva said that the country was an important jewellery centre, but it was also known as a centre for human rights. The Swiss government is also a key partner in the Kimberly Process which deals with international diamond trading.
Bread for All wants the definition to not just include the rough stones that are traded by rebel forces illegally but also those diamonds which come from areas where the government forces have committed human rights violations. If this happens it would be nearly impossible for Zimbabwe to sell the diamonds internationally.
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Joel relocated to Australia in 1995 from the United Kingdom and spent five years working in the mining industry as an exploration geotechnician. His role involved utilizing GIS mapping and CAD software. Upon transitioning to the North Coast of NSW, Australia, Joel embarked on a career as a graphic designer at a well-known consultancy firm. Subsequently, he established a successful web services business catering to companies across the eastern seaboard of Australia. It was during this time that he conceived and launched News-Medical.Net. Joel has been an integral part of AZoNetwork since its inception in 2000. Joel possesses a keen interest in exploring the boundaries of technology, comprehending its potential impact on society, and actively engaging with AI-driven solutions and advancements.
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