Corporate Responsibility

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.

Advocacy Programs

Promote fair, honest, transparent and competitive diamond markets. Provide expert opinions and file legal briefs before the European Commission and U.S. courts in opposition to monopolistic business practices. Publish articles and give lectures that inform diamond trade about unfair business practices.

Human Rights and the Diamond Industry. Promoted U.S. Clean Diamond Act legislation. Member of the original group that evolved the concept of the Kimberley Process (KP). Attended the first KP meeting in Kimberley, South Africa in 2000. Helped form the World Diamond Council (WDC) and later resigned from the WDC following its refusal to notify the trade about limitations of the KP. Established standard for human rights compliance in August 2010. Published numerous articles promoting human rights compliance in the diamond and jewelry trade.

Fair Trade Programs. Established and funded first Sierra Leone diggers cooperatives in coordination with U.S. AID and U.K. DFID. Host annual Fair Trade Jewelry Conferences at the Basel and Las Vegas Jewelry Shows. Promote programs for fair trade diamonds, gold and jewelry cooperatives. Founded Fair Trade Jewelry Association.• Industry Participation includes: 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.

Congressional testimony on the Rapaport Group's effort in Sierra Leone
U.S. AID report on the Sierra Leone integrated diamond management program
Rapaport Global Compact COP 2014
Rapaport Global Compact COP 2012
Rapaport Global Compact COP 2011
Rapaport Global Compact COP 2010
Rapaport Global Compact COP 2009