Introduction: Below is our diverse cross sector group from several nations representing several different industries and organizations, all with the common goal of developing fair trade jewelry manufacturing standards and principles. This group is open to others who are interested in participation. The dialog will be posted on this blog. Members that are in red

Introduction: With the colleagues listed below, I am spear-heading an initiative to develop fair trade principles and standards for manufacturing in the jewelry sector. Last May, we developed a set of principles. Now, we are beginning to develop standards for on the ground implementation of these principles. As before, this initiative is open and transparent.

A Call for Action By Niels Madsen, Co-founder of the 16th August Union Introduction: Here, we publish the most recent statement from Niels Madsen, Co-founder and Vice Chairman of the 16th August Union, outlining his struggle to gain the right for the native Inuit people’s mining and selling of rubies which has been well established