§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action her Department is taking to address the issue of(a) conflict diamonds and (b) exploitation of other minerals from conflict zones. [18191]
§ Clare Short(a) DFID is working with other Government Departments to support the Kimberley Process, in order to build support for an international certification scheme for rough diamonds.
Together with the Government of Sierra Leone, DFID has commissioned a study to investigate different approaches for the management of diamond producing areas in Sierra Leone. This focuses on how the Government can re-establish control of the diamond areas and industry, establish and maintain a secure environment and effectively manage the industry.
DFID together with other agencies is supporting the work of Partnership Africa Canada, which aims to build the capacity of Civil Society Organisations to monitor the use of revenues from the trade in diamonds in Africa.
(b) DFID is currently preparing a joint strategy with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Ministry of Defence to address the Economic Causes of Conflict, including the exploitation of mineral resources from conflict areas.
DFID has commissioned research on the exploitation of minerals from conflict zones, to find practical ways of addressing this issue, including research on the impact of oil in Sudan.
HMG are also providing support and information to a UN Experts Panel, looking into links between specific conflicts and the exploitation of economic resources.