Beyond the Kimberley Process Definition of Conflict.
The Chicago Responsible Jewellery Conference organises a two-day symposium on human rights in the diamond supply chain. In cooperation with Human Rights Watch, the International Peace Information Service (IPIS) and the Kimberley Process Civil Society Coalition, the conference will highlight the human rights violations occurring in diamond mining communities producing Kimberley Process certified diamonds and present recommendations.
On October 7th (11 AM Eastern), two interviews pre-recorded by Human Rights Watch will shed a light on the realities experienced by communities living near the Letseng Diamond Mine in Lesotho and the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company in Marange.
INTERVIEW 1
- Juliane Kippenberg: Associate Director of the Children’s Rights Division at Human Rights Watch
- Thabo Lerotholi: Maluti Community Development Forum. Lesotho representative to the Kimberley Process Civil Society Coalition.
- Tebello: Member of Maloraneng Community Village in the district of Mokhotlong.
INTERVIEW 2
- Dewa Mavhinga: South African Director at Human Rights Watch
- Shamiso Mtisi: Deputy Director at the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association. Zimbabwe-based Coordinator of the CSO Coalition
- Billian: Community Monitor for Zimbabwe Allied and Diamond Workers Union
- Ms. M: This community member must remain anonymous for personal safety.
On October 8th (11AM Eastern), experts will address the drivers of ongoing human rights issues in the diamond supply chain. They will discuss the changes they recommend to increase transparency and communication on the problems that affect diamond mining communities and to improve human rights in the diamond sector.
PANELISTS
- Shamiso Mtisi: Deputy Director at the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association. Zimbabwe-based Coordinator of the CSO Coalition.
- Hans Merket: IPIS (International Peace Information Service) Researcher
- Juliane Kippenberg: Associate Director of the Children’s Rights Division at Human Rights Watch
- Susan Wheeler: CEO and Founder of the Responsible Jewelry Transformative
Photo courtesy: Maluti Community Development Forum (MCDF)