Tag: Kimberley Process

The resolution calls for a strengthening of the Kimberley Process (KP), to more effectively sever the link between the illicit transaction of rough diamonds and armed conflict.

The meeting is being conducted as part the United Nations General Assembly’s 73rd Session, and is entitled “From blood diamonds to peace diamonds: conflict prevention through the Kimberley Process.”

Nonetheless, the WDC considered as positive the noting in the KP Plenary’s final communique of the submission by the Canadian government of an expanded definition of conflict diamonds, which had been proposed by WDC and its fellow KP observer, the Civil Society Coalition (CSC).

The proposed change would expand the scope beyond rough stones that finance wars against governments, and supports the industry’s drive in protecting consumer confidence in diamonds and the value chain, as reflected by the System of Warranties (SoW) reforms recently launched by the WDC.

Specifically, the WDC is advocating for a broadening of the definition of conflict diamonds to address grave and systematic violence. 

In a speech planned for later today, Stephane Fischler, Acting President of the WDC, is expected to reiterate the need for KP review and reform in the areas of scope of conflict diamonds, KPCS minimum standards, and long term implementation of KPCS directives via a Permanent Secretariat.