The kimberley process Certification Scheme was established in 2003 to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the mainstream rough diamond market. It was established by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly based on the Fowler Report, which focused on the issue of conflict diamonds. However, there are many questions surrounding the scheme and its impact on the diamond industry. In this article, we will outline the most common misconceptions regarding the Kimberley Process.
Conflict diamonds are used to finance armed conflicts
Known as blood diamonds or conflict diamonds, these gemstones are commonly used to finance armed conflicts, insurgency, and warlord activity. These gems are often controversial and have a dark history, with recent reports claiming that as much as 45% of diamonds in the world are used to fund armed conflicts. Although the exact amount of conflict diamonds in the world is unknown, policy makers have focused their attention on this issue.
However, the Kimberley Process is far from complete. Some countries continue to use conflict diamonds to fund rebel groups despite the EU’s ban. The UN panel on the Central African Republic has boycotted the process in 2016, citing its lack of effectiveness. Meanwhile, the EU is assisting non-compliant countries with setting up conflict-free diamond systems. Global Witness has been an official observer since the KP was established, but has withdrawn because of the human rights violations associated with the diamond trade.
International certification scheme regulates trade in rough diamonds
The Kimberley Process is an international certification scheme for rough diamonds. The aim of this scheme is to stop the flow of conflict diamonds, which can be sold illegally and endanger legitimate trade. Signed by 37 countries at its launch in 2002, it aims to protect legitimate trade by setting up rules and standards for the industry. The scheme includes three main components:
First, it identifies legitimate sources of diamonds. Lab grown diamonds may trade hands many times, a process that includes mining, processing, cutting, and grading. They may also travel through wholesale markets. During this process, they may be mixed in with legitimate diamonds, which then end up in jewelry stores in the country of origin. In order to avoid this, Kimberley Process certification is crucial.
It is not treaty-based
The Kimberley Process is not treaty-based, but a certification scheme that ensures traceability of rough diamond shipments from source to market. When it was first introduced, the Kimberley Process was a major accomplishment, since no other commodity has been subject to a global certification scheme. The Kimberley Process focuses on three areas: diamonds, blood diamonds, and conflict minerals.
The first phase of the Kimberley Process was steered by South Africa, which consistently showed a consensual touch, galvanizing a coalition of governments, industry representatives, and non-governmental organizations. In 2004, Canada assumed the chairing of the process, and has since strengthened the certification scheme with extensive peer-review provisions. It is important to note, however, that the process does require the strong support of the UN to ensure its success 10.0.0.1 piso wifi pause.
It does not take into account child labor or environmental issues
The diamond industry is a prominent voice for human rights, and once supported the Kimberley Process, but has failed to catch up with international standards on ethical business practices. The international position on human rights has made it clear that a company’s commitment to minimizing its negative impact on the environment and on child labor should be mandatory. This is why the World Diamond Council should require its members to adhere to standards.
One of the biggest problems with the Kimberley process is that it cannot control the trade of diamonds from conflict-ridden regions. This is because it relies on a very narrow definition of a conflict diamond, which ignores abuses by state actors. For example, diamonds from Central Africa are smuggled to neighboring countries and sold at world diamond exchanges as conflict-free, despite the fact that they are mined in a conflict zone.
It has saved lives
The Kimberley Process has been critical to the survival of the diamond industry and a great deal of human life. It has recognized and addressed a major problem in the industry and sought to change the system in a positive way. By passing guidelines and creating jobs, the process brought much needed attention to this issue. However, the process has had its challenges, and it may not be as effective as it could be. In addition to preventing human trafficking, the process has saved lives.
Global Witness is one of the NGOs that has criticized the Kimberley Process for turning a blind eye to human rights abuses in the diamond industry. The organization has called for more transparency and accountability and has also questioned whether the diamonds are a source of funding for rebel movements. Global Witness is now calling for a review of these practices. This paves the way for more transparency. However, it is important to note that Global Witness’s recent withdrawal from the Kimberley Process is in response to a lawsuit that has been filed by Zimbabwe over its diamond mining practices.
It has created jobs
The Kimberley Process has been an effective tool to boost government revenue from the sale of diamonds. As a result, governments are encouraged to reinvest in mining communities. The process has helped Sierra Leone increase revenue from diamond sales by more than 100 million dollars in 15 years. Yet, the country has been neglecting its mining communities and implementing inadequate public safety and education measures. Despite the benefits of the Kimberley Process, many citizens question whether the process has created jobs or not.
Conclusion
Many question whether the Kimberley Process actually works. Some experts believe that the Kimberley Process has created jobs, but others question whether it is effective. The process has also created a lot of controversy, as some diamonds are still traded in the dark, even though the Kimberley Process has helped protect consumers. In addition to jobs, this program has also led to increased transparency in the diamond trade and has improved government relations in conflict zones.
