The Kimberley Process's definition of conflict diamond is too narrow and specific and needs to be expanded to cover a wider range of violent circumstances, according to its chair, Gillian Milovanovic. She told Reuters that the Kimberley Process is considering updating definitions as part of a review begun in 2011, in order to determine what makes a conflict diamond. She noted that the initial definition was quite specific when the process was established a decade ago, Rapaport reported.
"What we would like to see is in essence that there be a clear agreed understanding amongst the membership that conflict is something more than only a rebel group seeking to overthrow a legitimate government," she told Reuters.
Milovanovic noted that the Kimberley Process should look at the use of broad, founding definitions by organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, as well as apply lessons learned from Zimbabwe. She stated, however, that it did not mean the Marange issues would be reviewed again.
The definition of what constitutes a conflict diamond has shaken the Kimberley Process the past two years as members disagreed over whether to allow rough exports from Zimbabwe due to human rights abuses in the Marange diamond fields. As of November 2011 though, Zimbabwe was given a green light to begin exporting rough diamonds. That action, however, resulted in one founding member of the Kimberley Process, Global Witness, to withdraw its membership.
Milovanovic said that she hopes to see proposals for a number of changes, including the establishment of a new secretariat for the group and a possible steering committee to guide discussions, but argued against any major revamp of decision-making process, which currently requires a consensus. She stressed that consensus is vital to maintain internal cohesion and a clear focus on the Kimberley Processes' objectives.
"The Kimberley Process needs to make some changes, but also it cannot be all things to all people," Milovanovic told Reuters.
Exclusive
Vladimir Pilyushin: The jewelry market is not stand-alone and moves by the same laws as other markets
Vladimir Pilyushin is editor-in-chief of Russian Jeweler, a leading magazine about the jewelry industry in Russia. He told Rough&Polished about his view on the evolution of the jewelry industry in Russia and touched upon some of its problems.
16 september 2024
Sarine’s David Block: Diamond Industry at Standstill Until Chinese Demand Returns
David Block is CEO of Israel’s Sarine Technologies and has served in the position since 2012. In this exclusive interview for Rough and Polished, Block gives his opinion on the leading issues affecting today’s diamond trade.
11 september 2024
Dr M'zée Fula Ngenge: Demand for considerable-sized diamonds stronger than ever
The African Diamond Council (ADC) chairperson Dr M'zée Fula Ngenge told Rough & Polished’s Mathew Nyaungwa in an exclusive interview that although overall global diamond prices have been somewhat soft, the demand for considerable-sized diamonds...
02 september 2024
Amplats sees prospects as a standalone company
Anglo has revealed its plans to demerge Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), which has operations in South Africa and Zimbabwe, to optimise shareholder value. Rough&Polished contacted Amplats to comment on this and other issues but was referred...
19 august 2024
WFDB President Yoram Dvash Remains Confident Despite Global Diamond Challenges
Yoram Dvash is President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) having been elected in 2020. He found time in his busy schedule to speak to Rough&Polished about the state of the diamond industry around the world and some of the major...
12 august 2024
