The Kimberley Process (KP) is a commitment to remove conflict diamonds from the global supply chain. Uniting governments, civil society and the wider industry, the Kimberley Process (KP) defines conflict diamonds as: ‘rough diamonds used to finance wars against governments’ - around the world
What is Kimberly Process?
The Kimberley Process is an international certification scheme that regulates trade in rough diamonds. It aims to prevent the flow of conflict diamonds, while helping to protect legitimate trade in rough diamonds. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) outlines the rules that govern the trade in rough diamonds. The KPCS has developed a set of minimum requirements that each participant must meet. The KP is not, strictly speaking, an international organisation: it has no permanent offices or permanent staff. It relies on the contributions – under the principle of ‘burden-sharing' – of participants, supported by industry and civil society observers. Neither can the KP be considered as an international agreement from a legal perspective, as it is implemented through the national legislations of its participants.
Who is involved?
The Kimberley Process (KP) participants are states and regional economic integration organizations that are eligible to trade in rough diamonds. There are 59 participants representing 85 countries, with the European Community counting as a single participant. The participants include all major rough diamond producing, exporting and importing countries. The diamond industry, through the World Diamond Council, and civil society groups are also integral parts of the KP. These organisations have been involved since the start and continue to contribute to its effective implementation and monitoring.
Conflict Diamonds
Conflict diamonds is a term for rough diamonds that are used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments.
The World Diamond Council System of Warranties
The World Diamond Council System of Warranties is a program of self regulation that tracks diamonds, after Kimberley Process certifies them, through the supply chain. The System of Warranties requires all diamond suppliers and diamond jewellery manufacturers to pass on a warranty statement each time diamond goods change hands, assuring the next buyer the diamonds originated within the Kimberley Process system.