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PRESS RELEASE
European border checks on trade in conflict diamonds
are not carried out properly
21 September 2001
On Tuesday 25 September, the Netherlands institute for Southern Africa (NiZA), member of the Fatal Transactions Network, in association with MEP Max van den Berg and Oxfam International will organise a meeting of experts called 'EU Control of Diamond Imports from African Countries in Conflict' at the European Parliament in Brussels.
On the instructions of the NiZA the case study 'Conflict Diamonds: Crossing European Borders?' has been drawn up. The case study investigates the implementation of UN sanctions and EU regulations with respect to the import of diamonds from countries that are in conflict situations (Sierra Leone, Angola, Liberia, Democratic Republic of Congo) and their neighbouring countries. Civil wars in these countries are largely financed through the proceeds of diamond sales. The case study is specifically aimed at the situation in Belgium, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
The report comes to the conclusion that Belgium has come furthest in complying with the UN sanctions, while the United Kingdom and the Netherlands have failed to comply in many ways. The two latter countries fail to make clear which measures they have taken to comply with the UN sanctions. Moreover, their certificate verification systems are extremely weak. An additional problem is that the open borders in Europe make further checks impossible after the first European border has been crossed. In all of the three countries researched differences between the quantity of imported and exported diamonds have been exposed. The reasons for these differences are unclear.
Fatal Transactions advocates the need for clear trade statistics, improved border controls and certificate verification systems, and an international monitoring system for the import of diamonds from countries in conflict and their neighbouring countries. Furthermore, Fatal Transactions would like to draw attention to the possibility of designating only a limited number of customs checkpoints within the EU for the import of diamonds.
NGO pressure has led to round-table consultations between governments, the diamond industry and non-governmental organisations. This so-called 'Kimberley process' should lead to a proposal for world-wide certification to the General Assembly of the UN in December 2001.
The European Union can take a pioneering role in this matter. At the meeting of experts, members of the European Parliament, representatives of the Diamond High Council, customs officials, policy-making officials of the Dutch, Belgian and English ministries, the European Commission and representatives of non-governmental organisations will discuss the need for regulation, improved border checks and the role of the European Union.
More informatie:
Kirsten Hund kirsten@niza.nl
National coordinator Fatal Transactions
Judith Sargentini ft@niza.nl,
international coordinator Fatal Transactions
Conflict diamonds: crossing European borders?
A case study of Belgium, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands
(Amsterdam, Aug. 2001)
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conclusions
recommendations
Stop blood diamonds now! (pdf) Actionaid, London
More about worldwide certification Kimberley Process
