Human Rights and Democracy - Official Documents

an active role within the EU where we have consistently argued for a robust EU
response to Zimbabwe’s failure to comply with Kimberley Process minimum
standards. We continued our ongoing dialogue with NGOs and the rough diamond
industry to encourage Zimbabwe to demonstrate concrete progress towards full
Kimberley Process compliance and to end the violence in the Marange diamond
fields. Through the EU we funded an independent Kimberley Process monitor to
assess Zimbabwean progress towards compliance. At an extraordinary meeting in
St Petersburg in July, we played a key role in helping the Kimberley Process
negotiate an agreement with Zimbabwe that imposed continued restrictions on
exports, set out clear benchmarks for progress and allowed for the setting up of a
local civil society monitor. A Kimberley Process expert review mission to Zimbabwe
in August reported that progress had been made but that much remained to be done.
Exports of diamonds from Zimbabwe’s Marange diamond fields cannot take place
until a resolution of Kimberley Process negotiations with Zimbabwe. We will
continue to seek a robust solution to the impasse that encourages Zimbabwe to
progress the Joint Work Plan agreed at the 2009 Plenary.
Bribery and corruption
Bribery and corruption take money out of the hands of ordinary people, add to costs,
and result in poor-quality, poor-value infrastructure. They also threaten the integrity
of markets, undermine fair competition, distort resource allocation, destroy public
trust and undermine the rule of law. They are a severe impediment to economic
growth and a significant challenge for developed, emerging and developing
countries.
The Government is committed to promoting responsible corporate behaviour
amongst UK companies operating or considering operating overseas. We expect
British businesses, regardless of whether they receive UK Government assistance or
guidance, to respect local and UK laws in all their dealings. Our embassies and high
commissions provide information and guidance to UK companies to enable them to
do so. UK officials overseas are also required to report allegations of UK
involvement in foreign bribery to the Serious Fraud Office.
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