The Kimberley Process Plenary -- held October 31 to November 3, 2011, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo -- concluded with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) still intact.
Jewelers of America (JA) is encouraged that steps were taken to preserve the monitoring system, but continues to have specific concerns related to goods from the Marange region of Zimbabwe, which now have a green light from the KP. The association remains very concerned about alleged human rights abuses in the region, as well the impact of legal issues surrounding these diamonds.
In fact, the decision to allow exports from Marange presents a serious challenge for U.S. businesses. That's because goods from the region are mined by companies with strong connections to Zimbabwean entities and individuals who are sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
While these diamonds can now get KP Certificates, U.S. companies are prohibited from purchasing them, either directly or indirectly.
Jewelers of America strongly advises members to get additional written assurances from their suppliers that the goods they supply did not come from Marange.
Learn more about Jewelers of America's position by reading the press statement from JA and the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association of America (DMIA) and JA's updated Position Statement on Zimbabwe Diamonds.
Jewelers of America is watching this issue closely and will update members on future developments.
See our past coverage of the KP & Zimbabwe:
- JA & DMIA Call for Kimberley Process Improvement -- October 28, 2011
- JA Holds Firm on Zimbabwe -- July 21, 2011
- JA Keeping Eye on Zimbabwe Diamond Situation -- September 10, 2010
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