International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) Expresses Concern for Collateral Damage in Burma
Introduction:
This statement by the ICA hints at the real damage that the Burmese gem boycott will cause. This is a courageous and important release, given how risky it is for anyone in the jewelry sector to oppose this boycott which was so strongly pushed by JA and CRJP.
Ironically, the boycott impacts the very artisan miners that are probably supporting the grass roots pro-democracy movement.
The actions of the US government and the jewelers who support this boycott provides a perfect cover-up for the multinational oil companies, like BP, and the major timber interests, that are primarily responsible for providing currency that continues to prop up the Burmese Regime. The US government can now look like it is concerned about human rights while protecting multinational oil, gas and timber interests.
Moreover, the boycott is entirely unenforceable, since the rubies will simply be smuggled into neighboring countries. The artisanal miners in Burma will probably be paid less money for their rubies.
This travesty appearing as “good action” leads one to question whether the primary lesson learned from the blood diamond tragedy was that of public relations, rather than morality. ~ Marc Choyt, Managing Editor.
I have written multiple posts on this subject:
World Wide Opposition To The Burmese Gem Boycott Builds
A Scholarly Article on the Mining Sector In Burma
The Burmese Ruby Boycott: Who Does It Really Hurt? Who does It Really Help?
Edward Boehm, VP of International Colored Gemstones Against The Burmese Ruby Boycott
Laura Bush, “Blood Rubies” and the Export Economy of Burma
ICA’s Press Release
New York — The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) issued a statement today regarding the Tom Lantos “Block Burmese JADE Act of 2008,” signed by President Bush on July 29, 2008, which bars gemstones of Burmese origin — specifically rubies and jadeite — from entering the United States via third party countries. This importation ban encompasses all jadeite and rubies coming from Burma , including stones that have been processed in other countries such as Thailand .
ICA reiterated that its policies are in line with all national and international associations against the violent repression of individuals, human rights and pro-democracy movements in Myanmar (formerly Burma ). In light of this, ICA has asked its members to stop buying Burmese gemstones from any government sources and/or people who support those endeavors.
However, the ICA also fears that, the US government’s decision to support a systematic ban on the trade of Burmese gemstones may very well have a negative impact and cause collateral damage upon independent and poor populations engaged in mining, processing and trading activities in Myanmar and other countries.
“Those who will suffer are the very people that the legislation intended to protect,” Andrew Cody, President of ICA, said in a statement. “It is a pity that the leadership in national, international and governmental agencies, people that are not really in-the-know as to what takes place on the ground, failed to consult our association on this issue, and to our knowledge, no collateral damage study was undertaken,” he concluded.
For more information contact:
Barbara Wheat
Executive Director
International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA)
19 W. 21st St, Suite 705
New York, NY 10010
Tel: 1-212-620-0900
Fax: 1-212-352-9054
[email protected]
www.gemstone.org
