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An interesting Panorama report on Zimbabwe’s Marange diamond fields and severe human rights violations from the BBC last night (8th August 2011).

DiamondGeezer.com recognised and drew attention to these problems and violations way back in November 2007.

Indeed there are over 65,500 references to our article from November 2007 on the ‘Net .

CLICK HERE to read our original article

Zimbabwe is home to 11.9 million people and accounts for a tiny and estimated 0.4 percent of global diamond production. This once thriving landlocked African country has become increasingly dependent on diamond exports to support its collapsed economy. Partnership Africa Canada, a leading regional NGO has reported that Zimbabwe’s diamond industry is out of control. ‘The government has expropriated diamond lands and companies without due process and awarded the prizes to ZANU-PF supporters and to the military. It has used brute force to clear the diamond fields…murdering hundreds of people in the process. Increasing military control in almost all of the diamond mines, and over the Ministry suggests that a new conflict scenario may be developing.’

DiamondGeezer.com will continue to monitor the situation very carefully.

Measures are being taken in Zimbabwe to prevent abuse and smuggling in its diamond fields.

Human Rights Watch reports that the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme will halt the trade of diamonds – which are popular in engagement rings and wedding rings – from the country's Marange fields.

The initiative aims to tackle the ongoing conflicts connected with sourcing and trading of stones from the region.

Studies made by the organisation from July through to September 2010 noted that much of the area is under the jurisdiction of the Zimbabwe Defence Force soldiers, who are said to be involved in smuggling and threatening the local community.

Rona Pegali of Human Rights Watch said: "Without these kinds of reforms, international consumers risk purchasing 'blood diamonds'."

The Kimberley Process includes governments and members of precious stone industries who meet annually to review the guidelines in diamond trade and provide a certification scheme that ensures that exported gems are conflict-free. 

Victor Van Der Kwast of ABN Amro has told the Times of India the bank is not boycotting Zimbabwe diamonds, but needs to observe European Union sanctions.

ABN Amro does not have a boycott in place over diamonds mined in Zimbabwe, the bank's chief executive has stated.

Speaking to the Times of India, Victor Van Der Kwast moved to clarify comments he made regarding the stones – which are used in diamond rings – at an industry conference in Mumbai.

"ABN Amro would like to help Zimbabwe mine its rich mineral and diamond resources," he remarked, but explained the financial institution needs to comply with European Union regulations that are currently preventing trading of gems mined in the country.

Many international diamond dealers have been warned not to trade with the nation and last month, London-based campaign group Global Witness claimed the Zimbabwean army has a large influence over who comes to power of the when current president Robert Mugabe dies.

It said the military has control of the diamond fields and is selling gems on the black market, with the money going to senior generals, according to the Daily Telegraph.

A Channel 4 blood diamonds documentary is to highlight how the mineral is affecting Zimbabwe.

A documentary about Zimbabwe's blood diamonds is to be screened by UK television network Channel 4 this Friday (October 29th), shading more light on the mineral from the troubled African nation.

Part of the channel's Unreported World series, the programme looks at human rights abuses at the Marange diamond fields in the east of the country and highlights the terror and violence people have to live with.

Claims that president Robert Mugabe's Zanu PF party is using the diamonds to establish its hold on power by buying the military's loyalty are investigated by reporter Ramita Navai, whose crew filmed undercover.

According to Channel 4, the covert documentary directed by film producer Alex Nott reveals "a climate of fear reminiscent of the pre-coalition Mugabe years", despite the existence of a coalition government.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Independent recently reported that deputy mines and minerals development minister Gift Chimanikire had criticised the US over its attempts to block Zimbabwe from selling diamonds.