Celebrities back Botswana diamond boycott
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
Celebrities are boycotting Botswana diamonds in protest of the poor treatment of tribespeople.
Celebrities are endorsing a boycott that aims to stop diamonds sources in Botswana being used in items such as engagement rings and diamond jewellery.
Survival International – a worldwide organisation working for tribal peoples' rights – has launched its protest today (November 3rd).
In 2002, Botswana bushmen were removed from their homes to further the country's diamond mining, even though at the time the government did not declare that diamond deposits existed at the site.
In spite of winning legal rights to their land, the tribesmen and women are not allowed access to vital water deposits.
Joanna Lumley, Gillian Anderson and Sophie Okonedo are some of the high-profile supporters of the ban, which also encourages a boycott on tourism to Botswana.
Director of Survival Stephen Corry said: "People should know that far from being an expensive token of eternal love, Botswana diamonds are a symbol of the oppression of Africa's people."
