In a press release, The President Council of CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation condemned the oppression of human rights in Burma (Myanmar). Member organisations have been urged to abide by CIBJO Code of Ethics and stop purchasing gemstones from the Myanmar government. CIBJO has advised that its member associations encourage their members to seek information about the origins of the gemstones from the suppliers, and to stop purchasing the Burmese gemstones until the United Nations signals that democracy has been restored in Burma.

CIBJO said that it completely supported the UN Human Rights Council Resolution S-5/1: “Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar” of October 2nd 2007, and the UN Security Council statement of October 11th 2007.