ICA Warns Against “Hasty” Myanmar Gemstones Ban
October 28, 07
The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) said it “exhorts its members to desist buying Burmese gemstones from any government sources and marketing organizations.” The announcement comes a number of weeks after the Myanmar Junta has violently crushed peaceful demonstrations.
The ICA further warns against any hasty decisions towards “a systematic ban to trade with Burmese gemstones,” strongly recommending that “all parties cautiously consider the negative impact and collateral damage that indiscriminate measures could inflict upon independent and poor populations engaged in mining, processing and trading activities in Myanmar and other countries.”
It added that it fully supports the UN Human Rights Council resolution ratified by the Security Council Presidential Statement of October 11, and condemns the violent repression of individuals, human rights and pro-democracy movements in Myanmar.