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The Rapaport Group takes a strong proactive role promoting and implementing corporate
responsibility programs around the world. Internal controls and audits ensure that
our companies are in full compliance with local and international laws. The group’s
in-house compliance team includes experienced lawyers who monitor all our activities
and strict adherence to best practice principles. Independent external audits ensure
full compliance with all aspects of the Kimberley Process, U.S. Patriot Act, anti-money
laundering regulations and other regulations.
Rapaport’s corporate responsibility activities extend well beyond commercial activities.
Our mission transcends the standard corporate goals of profit maximization and “adding
shareholder value.” We believe that the private sector has a critical and irreplaceable
role to play, driving sustainable economic development in the poorest countries
of the world. We are committed to using our economic power and strategic positioning
in the diamond and jewelry industry to help artisanal diggers and other disadvantaged
groups obtain economic self sufficiency. The Rapaport Group regularly donates at
least ten percent of profits to charity and initiates programs to alleviate poverty
in Africa and elsewhere.
Rapaport Advocacy Programs
- Open, fair and competitive diamond markets. Provide expert opinions and file legal
briefs before the European Commission and U.S. courts.
- Conflict Diamonds. Member of the original group that evolved the concept of the
Kimberley Process. Active member of the World Diamond Council. Regularly participates
in Kimberley Process meetings.
- Diamonds That Make the World a Better Place™ Program. Established and funded first
Sierra Leone diggers cooperatives in coordination with U.S.-AID and U.K. DFID. These http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippiecooperatives mine rough diamonds which will be sold on the open market in Antwerp with all proceeds repatriated to Sierra Leone. Director
of Development Diamond Initiative (DDI). Established educational fund for the children
of Sierra Leone in coordination with US-AID. Introduced mining initiatives with
Sierra Leone diggers.
- Fair Trade. Established Fair Trade Diamond and Jewelry Association. Funds annual
Fair Trade Jewelry Conference and fair trade jewelry exhibit at the Las Vegas Jewelry
Show. Establishing programs for fair trade diamonds and gold from Sierra Leone.
Joint venture partnerships with jewelry cooperatives in Africa.
Industry Participation includes: Members of World Diamond Council, New York Diamond
Dealers Club, U.S.-Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association, Jewelers Vigilance
Committee, Antwerp Diamond Bourse, Israel Diamond Exchange, Israel Diamond Manufacturers
Association, India Gem and Jewelry Promotion Council, Dubai Diamond Exchange, Shanghai
Diamond Exchange.
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