KP Closer to Redefining Conflict Diamonds
May 19, 25
(IDEX Online) - Kimberley Process appears closer than ever to agreeing a new definition of "conflict diamonds" following its five-day Intersessional meeting in Dubai.
The World Diamond Council (WDC), representing the entire diamond industry from producer to retailer, said there had been a significant breakthrough after the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA), representing 15 member countries, presented a form of words that found broad consensus.
In her closing speech WDC President Feriel Zerouki (pictured) said: "We are almost at the finish line. Let us stand together. Let us keep the momentum. Let us get this done."
Calls to broaden the definition of conflict diamonds became louder after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Details of the proposed language were not disclosed, although previous proposals have suggested expanding the definition to include "diamond-related violence in rough diamond producing and trading areas," which would cover abuses not just by rebel groups but also by state actors and others involved in the diamond trade.
The KP definition of "conflict diamonds", unchanged since its inception in May 2000, covers only rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance armed conflicts aimed at undermining legitimate governments. It specifically excludes violence or abuses perpetrated by state actors or government forces.
At the 2024 KP plenary session Zerouki emphasized the urgent need for all KP members-including producers, traders, manufacturers, and consumer markets-to contribute to expanding the conflict diamond definition.
The WDC was tasked with facilitating discussions to broaden what constitutes a conflict diamond, but progress had, until now, been slow, with some KP members not fully engaging in the reform process.