Diamond Ban Lifted
The UN Security Council yesterday voted unanimously to lift the ban on export of diamonds from Liberia. The purpose of the ban was to prevent the profit of sales of diamonds from being used to pay for weapons. I think this isn’t happening so much any more, so in that sense I’m glad the ban has been lifted. But I question whether the government of Liberia is prepared to ensure that the money earned from selling diamonds will benefit the people of Liberia. But I guess there is no law requiring that natural resources benefit the people who live on top of them. Actually, is there? Are there any international treaties on this?
This government led by the veteran administrator and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will no doubt ensure that the people benefit. The Liberian people have exclusive confidence in her leadership.This is the reason why they elected her.
Ha! Law school finally comes in handy. I knew it had to someday…
Aside from the conflict-free aspect of the Kimberley Process for diamonds, most international environmental law leaves the proceeds question to the country – state sovereignty and all that. There are some voluntary certification schemes (forestry, maritime) that do require participation and benefit for people living around forests, oceans, etc. And some human rights treaties on indigenous people’s rights require that they be given some input into the decisions on use of natural resources.
But as the previous commenter noted, with diamonds (and oil), it really does depend on leadership in a given country and also the degree to which citizens hold the leadership accountable.
Thanks for keeping me up to date on Liberia happenings!
Anonymous and amazedlife, thanks for your comments.
-Shelby