3 Reports on Zimbabwean ‘Blood Diamonds’

In the run off to the Intersessional meeting of the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), the international body for the certification of diamonds, three prominent NGO’s have published reports on the worrying situation in the diamond area of Chiadzwa.

Whereas the official KP Monitor, Mr. Abbey Chikane, has not mentioned human rights in his reports, the publications show that human rights violations are still occurring. Moreover, the Zimbabwean army is still present in the area and involved in illegal diamond trade. The reports also show the central role of the Joint Operations Command (consisting of top aides of President Mugabe) in controlling the diamond areas.

The three organizations call for more transparency, also with regard to the joint ventures that are currently operating in the area. Previously, the organizations condemned the arrest of Farai Maguwu, the arrested director of the Centre for Research and Development.

See the links below for the reports.