Afghanistan’s ancient “blue natural treasure”, the vivid lapis lazuli gemstone - has been mined from the same small area of a single river valley in the remote Afghan province of Badakshan, for more than 6,000 years. However, as of late, it’s immense wealth has been going illegally into the wrong hands to powerful warlords, police chiefs and politicians - who are said to be benefiting the Taliban and other insurgents. Calls have now been made to classify the gem as a 'conflict mineral'.
Joining to discuss - the head of the Global Witness Afghanistan campaign, Stephen Carter. Khadija Ahmed reports.
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Presented by Afzal Ahmed
First broadcast: Sunday 26th June 2016 [Episode 3]
