Zimbabwe facing global diamond ban

Zimbabwe's diamonds have been placed on the blacklist by the global diamond trading network, despite the country's efforts to clear the Marange mining area of the security forces.

The global network of companies, under the Rapaport Network, has reportedly called for the ban of Zimbabwe's gem stones because of the alleged and continued human rights abuses at the Marange mining areas.

The group has also called on other buyers to support the ban on the Marange gem stones.

Zimbabwe had been given until June next year to clear its human rights record with the international trading and rights based organisation, the Kimberly Process.

The Southern African nation came under fire from the global traders following last year's alleged killings of civilians by security forces at the Marange mining area.

However, the Harare administration has been adamant in denying the reorted human rights abuse, further saying the country has complied with almost 90 percent of the Kimberly Process clearing demands.

Zimbabwe, which is still working towards a stable economic, social and political recovery had hoped that diamonds would help to boost a smooth route to its recovery.

SOURCE