CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation, has become the latest organization to condemn the repression of human rights in Burma.

The CIBJO Presidents Council has issued a statement that strongly condemns the ruling party for its human rights abuses and also calls on members of CIBJO’s member organizations to refrain from purchasing gemstones from the Myanmar government. The statement is as follows:

CIBJO deplores the violent repression of individuals, human rights and democracy in Burma and fully supports the UN Human Rights Council Resolution S-5/1: “Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar” of October 2nd 2007.  CIBJO also fully supports the UN Security Council statement of October 11th 2007.

CIBJO reminds its members of their commitments to abiding with the CIBJO Code of Ethics, with current particular regard to the situation in Burma.

CIBJO advises its member associations to urge their members to seek information from their suppliers as to whether gemstones have originated from Burma and to consider seriously refraining from purchasing any Burmese gemstones until such time as the United Nations indicate that the process of democratic reform has started in Burma.

CIBJO further advises its member associations to urge their members not to purchase gemstones directly from the Myanmar Junta Government.

CIBJO President’s Council
October 17th 2007
Toronto, Canada

JCK