Global Witness - Breaking the links between natural resources, conflict and corruption
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Go to combating conflict diamonds
Tainted Love: blood diamonds still cast shadow over Valentines Day
Diamonds mined illegally in conflict zones are still finding their way onto the international market and being sold in cities such as London, New York and Paris. The continued existence of so-called ‘blood diamonds' poses a serious problem for consumers looking to demonstrate their love with a diamond ring this Valentines Day (Feb 14).
Press Release – 08/02/2010
New report urges UN to learn lessons on resource-fuelled wars
The UN and Member States must do more to address the role of natural resources in incentivising, financing and preventing resolution of conflict, according to a new report from Global Witness, which draws on lessons from countries including the DRC, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Press Release – 27/01/2010
Zimbabwe’s commitment to conflict diamonds scheme still in doubt, despite aution cancellation
Zimbabwe has stopped the auction of 300,000 carats of rough diamonds because it had not yet won approval from the Kimberley Process certification scheme. Global Witness welcomed the decision but warned that the country must take concrete steps to demonstrate their commitment to cleaning up the diamond sector or risk suspension from the scheme.
Press Release – 07/01/2010
Failure to suspend Zimbabwe from blood diamond scheme undermines efforts to end abuses and clean up international trade
The Kimberley Process (KP) rough diamond certification scheme failed to reach a consensus to suspend Zimbabwe at this week’s Plenary meeting in Namibia, in spite of evidence of serious non-compliance with the KP’s requirements and widespread government-sponsored human rights abuses, said civil society groups today.
Press Release – 06/11/2009
Campaigners call for urgent action on Zimbabwe blood diamonds and wider reform of the Kimberley Process to prevent abuse
Kimberley Process (KP) members must act on the overwhelming evidence of Zimbabwe’s failure to comply with the minimum requirements of the rough diamond certification scheme, said civil society groups today, ahead of the KP’s annual meeting in Namibia.
Press Release – 29/10/2009 – French
Global Witness backs calls for halt to Zimbabwe diamond trade
An official review mission has called for Zimbabwe to be suspended from the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, set up to eradicate the trade in conflict diamonds. They found evidence of human rights abuses and smuggling.
Press Release – 31/07/2009
Governments urged to renew commitments as diamond meeting closes
Some progress at Kimberley Process diamond meeting but governments must do more to ensure scheme's effectiveness
Press Release – 26/06/2009
Blood Diamonds - Time to Plug the Gaps
The landmark Kimberley Process is in danger of losing its credibility, civil society groups warn today, ahead of a key meeting of the scheme established to stop the trade in blood diamonds.
Press Release – 19/06/2009
Global Witness hails commitment of veteran diamond campaigner
Global Witness today paid tribute to the efforts and commitment of Ian Smillie, a founding member of the Kimberley Process, who has decided to end his participation in the rough diamond certification scheme.
Press Release – 05/06/2009
Leaders of diamond-fuelled terror campaign convicted by Sierra Leone’s Special Court
Press Release – 26/02/2009
Latest Publications
February 2010
Global Witness Vacancy - Senior Climate Campaigner
Global Witness is recruiting for an experienced senior campaigner to work with two of the Founder Directors, to shape and implement Global Witness' new Climate Campaign. The campaign is an advocacy based campaign on climate change and energy security.
Senate shines welcome spotlight on U.S. facilitation of corruption
A senate subcommittee hearing this week will expose how foreign politicians have used the services of American lawyers, bankers, lobbyists and other professionals, to bring millions of suspect dollars into the country.
January 2010
New report urges UN to learn lessons on resource-fuelled wars
The UN and Member States must do more to address the role of natural resources in incentivising, financing and preventing resolution of conflict, according to a new report from Global Witness, which draws on lessons from countries including the DRC, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Global Witness launches pioneering forest transparency website
Natural-resource campaign group Global Witness is today publishing the first ever Forest Sector Transparency Report Card via a dedicated website, www.foresttransparency.info. The launch will take place at an illegal logging update meeting today, hosted by Chatham House in London.
Proposed changes to Liberian forest laws would open way for devastating logging and slash government revenues
Changes to Liberia's forestry law proposed by the Liberian Timber Association would dramatically reduce revenue for the state and are not in the best interests of the country.
Ghana controversy shows need to shine a light on oil deals
A controversy over allegations of corruption in the oil industry, which broke last week in Ghana, shows the need for much greater openness in the way in which companies gain access to the oil reserves of developing countries.
