The President Council of The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) has issued a statement that strongly condemns the human rights violations in Burma (officially the Union of Myanmar), and urges its members to refrain from purchasing gemstones from the Burmese government.

CIBJO is advising its member associations to urge their members to seek information from their suppliers regarding where their gemstones are sourced, and if it is Burma, to seriously consider refraining from purchasing them until the United Nations indicates that the process of democratic reform has begun in the country.

"CIBJO reminds its members of their commitments to abiding with the CIBJO Code of Ethics, with current particular regard to the situation in Burma," CIBJO said in the statement.

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