- February 16, 2009 - On January 15th, 2009 The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) formally joined as Participant in the United Nations Global Compact - Civil Society.

As a Participant, RJC makes a commitment to set in motion changes to business operations so that the Global Compact and its ten principles become part of strategy, culture and day-to-day operations; to publicly advocate the Global Compact and its principles via available communications channels; and to communicate annually and publicly on progress made in implementing the Global Compact principles amongst its Members.

The UN Global Compact seeks to strengthen and widen engagement with committed civil society organizations that have an understanding of the ten principles and related expertise - particularly in terms of helping companies translate the principles into action.

"We are aware that collaboration with the Global Compact brings added value to the RJC and its membership by developing synergies relating to responsible business practices of the diamond and gold sectors," says Michael Rae, CEO, RJC.

The Global Compact calls for the realization of ten principles in the business community which are:

Human rights: Principle L: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and Principle 2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.

Labour standards: Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and
compulsory labour; Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labour; and Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

Environment: Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges; Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.

Anti-corruption: Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

On February 12th, RJC CEO Michael Rae and, RJC Vice Chairman John Hall, met Georg Kell, Global Compact Executive Director and Olajobi Makinwa, Global Compact Civil Society Coordinator at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City to discuss corporate social responsibility and RJC's pivotal role in advancing high ethical standards in the jewellery industry.

Responsible Jewellery Council

Responsible Jewellery Council

Responsible Jewellery Council is an international non-profit organization that promotes responsible ethical, social and environmental practices throughout the diamond and gold jewellery supply chain from mine to retail. RJC has developed a Responsible Practices Framework, the RJC Certification System, an initiative that requires members to maintain high responsible business practices, which will be monitored by independent accredited auditors. For more information, please visit www.responsiblejewellery.com.

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