The UN Security Council resolution prohibiting the sale and supply of arms, ammunition and other military equipment to rebel forces in Sierra Leone remains in force. The UN Security Council must take all possible measures to prevent military assistance from reaching rebel forces. Although Sierra Leone has one of highest poverty rates in the world, the country has enormous mineral wealth, including diamonds. The RUF controls most of the diamond producing areas. At least three junior mining companies trading on Canadian stock exchanges are heavily involved in Sierra Leone.
Every company has a direct responsibility to respect human rights in their own operations.
The Canadian government has considerable ties to Sierra through it's international aid programs. As a member of the UN Security Council, the Canadian government also has a special obligation to protect civilians in Sierra Leone from grave human rights abuses. Canada has been a leader in the international community in condemning rebel abuses and supporting the idea that the perpetrators should be brought to justice. Please note that the following are external non-AI links.