The Parts That Don’t Glitter: A Comparative Analysis Between Switzerland and the United States on the Regulations of the Importation of Gold and Its Effect on Human Rights in Gold Mining Countries

This Note considers and compares rules and regulations Switzerland and the United States have placed on the trade and importation of gold. It explores the history of the gold trade which has led to its modern use and the negative implications that gold refining in Switzerland has on countries where gold may be illegally mined. Although some rules are in place in these gold mining countries, regulations upon the acceptance of gold may have an even greater impact on the gold supply chain and the human rights issues it affects. The United States and Swiss governments currently have some restrictions on gold importation, but this Note will look at the strength of these regulations and how they can or should be improved. Along with this, the Note will analyze the impact nongovernmental organizations have on the gold supply chain and if their oversight has a strong enough impact that reaches back to the first step of gold mining or if the governments are the actors that need to intervene the most.