December 20, 2005, 8:49 IDEX Online Staff Reporter
CIBJO Calls for Workers Silicosis Investigation
CIBJO is calling on companies operating gemstone and jewelry manufacturing operations in China, particularly in the Guangdong region, to investigate the silicosis epidemic that has stricken workers in gemstone and jewelry factories and ensure that they receive proper medical treatment.
The appeal by the World Jewellery Confederation comes following the publication of "Deadly Dust", a report on the silicosis epidemic among Guangdong jewelry workers and the defects of China's occupational illnesses prevention and compensation system, CIBJO said.
The report was originally published in Chinese last August, and now in English by the China Labor Bulletin (CLB), an NGO that monitors labor conditions and defends the rights of industrial laborers in China. Click here for the report.
"In Hong Kong, I met with CLB representatives who presented me with an outline of the report's content," said CIBJO president Gaetano Cavalieri. "Judging by the evidence that these NGO representatives presented, I felt that it is imperative that our organization takes a crystal clear position in this matter."
Cavalieri pointed out that during each of his visits this year to China and in his talks with Chinese industry and government representatives, he brought up the issue of the need to protect, advance and improve the labor and health conditions in China's gem and jewelry industry. "I will continue to do so, until this issue is properly addressed by the industry as well as by the authorities."