KP on Brink of New "Conflict Diamond" Definition
November 19, 25
(IDEX Online) - The Kimberley Process (KP) could announce a proposed redefinition of "conflict diamonds" on Friday (21 November).
Members meeting at the five-day plenary in Dubai this week are discussing a broader definition, one likely to include state actors in addition to the "rebel groups" that have been covered since the KP's inception in 2003.
KP, with 86 member nations, has faced constant pressure to update the definition, especially since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
"Today, we stand together at a crossroads," said Feriel Zerouki, who serves as president of the World Diamond Council (WDC) until next May.
"Will participants choose to move the Kimberley Process forward, or will some choose to hold it back?"
In her opening address on Monday (17 November) she had harsh words for any country that chose to veto the new definition, which is due to be finalized at this session and which requires unanimous approval.
They would, she said, be turning their backs on diamond communities and forcing the KP to stall.
"Three years of work, research, negotiation, long nights and honest conversations — all driven by one purpose: to make this system stronger and fairer for those it was built to protect.
"Today, we stand together at a crossroads. Will participants choose to move the Kimberley Process forward, or will some choose to hold it back?"
A spokesman for the WDC said that if the KP agrees to expand the definition it will be revealed on Friday (21 November).
Pic shows WDC president Feriel Zerouki at the KP plenary in Dubai.