New draft of Code of Practices released by CRJP

The London-based Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices (CRJP), which promotes responsible ethical, social and environmental practices in the diamond and gold jewelry industries, released the initial draft of its Code of Practices for stakeholder review at the beginning of March. The CRJP�s Draft Code of Practices details the business ethics, social and environmental practices that the council will expect of its members once its Responsible Practices Framework is fully operational.

CRJP said its stakeholders should log on to www.responsiblejewellery.com to comment on the Draft Code of Practices document, or send an email to info@responsiblejewellery.com for more information and a copy of the draft. Council representatives plan to hold a series of meetings and have developed an online survey in order to reach a wide variety of stakeholders from all levels of the industry supply chain, as well as governments, non-governmental organizations, host communities and others.
The consultation period for the Draft Code of Practices will run until July 3, 2006.

�As I begin my work with CRJP, it�s gratifying to see the Council achieve one of its initial goals, with the release of the Draft Code of Practices,� says Michael L. Rae, the CRJP�s new CEO. �I am eager to consult with businesses throughout the supply chain, as well as civil society and governments, on its various aspects.� CRJP also announced that 13 new members have joined since last November, bringing the membership total to 33.