Spotlight on the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme
Trade with rough diamonds is prohibited. What can you do to make sure that you are not affected?
What is the Kimberly Process?
The Kimberley Process (KP) is a promise to eliminate diamonds from the supply chain that have been obtained via illegal means. Currently, participants are actively preventing 99.8 per cent of all commerce worldwide.
Allies in the fight against diamonds from conflict zones
Uniting governments, civil society and the entire industry, the Kimberley Process (KP) defines conflict diamonds as: ‘rough diamonds used to finance wars against governments’ - around the world.
What are conflict diamonds?
Conflict diamonds, also called "blood" diamonds, are rough diamonds used by rebel groups and those who assist them to finance military operations intended to overthrow existing governments.
What Is the Kimberley Process?
The Kimberley Process, a global certification scheme, regulates the raw diamond trade. It aims to stop the entry of conflict diamonds while defending the legitimate rough diamond trade. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) contains the rules controlling the trade in raw diamonds. Every participant has to meet a minimum requirement set out by the KPCS. The KP is not technically an international entity since it does not have regular employees or offices. It depends on contributions from participants made in line with the "burden-sharing" model, with support from observers in the business and civil society sectors. Since the KP is implemented by national legislation of the member nations, it is also not legally considered as an international agreement.
Where in the globe are conflict diamonds an issue?
Currently, Côte d'Ivoire is the only place where rebel forces have authority over regions that produce diamonds. Based on estimates from the Kimberley Process (KP) and the United Nations, these conflict diamonds comprise less than 0.1% of the total crop. The KP is collaborating with surrounding nations and the UN to prevent these diamonds from being sold on the legitimate market. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Sierra Leone, Angola, Liberia, and other nations that have previously experienced wars partially financed by diamonds are now much more stable. Of course, delicate circumstances still exist, so it would be a mistake for anybody to lose interest just because the firearms are quiet. According to the KP, rather than fostering violence, there is now a chance that the riches generated by diamonds would promote development and peace in these nations. Some encouraging outcomes have been seen; for example, the DRC's diamond exports reached their highest level since the stones' discovery a century ago in 2006. Since the conflict's conclusion in 2002, legal exports from Sierra Leone have multiplied 100 times, which is good news for the 10% of the country's population that is thought to be dependent on the diamond sector.
Who participates?
Participants in the Kimberley Process (KP) are states and regional economic integration bodies that are authorised to transact in raw diamonds. The 59 members, representing 85 distinct countries, are reduced to one participant: the European Community. Among the participants are all of the major producing, importing, and exporting countries of rough diamonds. Crucial elements of the KP include the diamond industry via the World Diamond Council and civil society groups. These groups have supported it from the start and continue to do so in order to guarantee that it is successfully implemented and overseen.
What are the signs that I'm not purchasing a conflict diamond?
While individual jewellers are not certified by the Kimberley Process, respectable companies should only purchase diamonds from suppliers who can attest to the conflict-free nature of their products.
What is the Certification Scheme for the Kimberley Process?
In response to suggestions in the Fowler Report, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 55/56 in 2003, establishing the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme as a means of preventing "conflict diamonds" from reaching the mainstream raw diamond market.
The Workings Behind the Kimberley Process
The Kimberley Process, also known as the KP, is a multinational trade framework that was developed in 2003 with the purpose of limiting the movement of diamonds from conflict zones. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), by which states establish safeguards on shipments of raw diamonds and certify them as "conflict free," is the central component of this regime.
Under the terms of the KPCS participants must:
Satisfy ‘minimum requirements’ and establish national legislation, institutions and import/export controls
Commit to transparent practices and to the exchange of critical statistical data
Trade only with fellow members who also satisfy the fundamentals of the agreement
Certify shipments as conflict-free and provide the supporting certification
Latest Update from the European Union
Kimberley Process Committee Meeting, 12 Oct 2023 Summary
EU COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE KIMBERLEY PROCESS
CERTIFICATION SCHEME
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