KP Chair calls for new definition of conflict diamonds

Addressing to participants of the 35th WDC joint session, KP Chair Gillian Milovanovic called on the KP participants to arrive at a new definition for conflict diamonds, emphasizing the need for industry-wide consensus, Rough&Polished were reported at International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA).
Gillian Milovanovic noted that as the KP completes its first decade, a new challenge has emerged and she asked the attendees of WDC session to support an evolution of the KP that keeps it moving in a positive direction, ensuring that consumer confidence in polished diamonds remains steady into the future.
“Within the KP - and that includes all of you in industry - we need to discuss and eventually adopt a new definition of "conflict diamond," one that will encompass agreed situations of conflict in which diamonds are directly involved. There should be a definition that applies clearly and predictably to every participant, and one that ensures that KP Certification Scheme assurances correspond to the evolving expectations of consumers. I do understand that there is anxiety associated with the prospect of change, especially if proposals are not well understood or it is feared that the goal is an overnight change... I seek an evolution, because resting on our past laurels will not assure future success for anyone,” Milovanovic noted in her speech.
“I also seek your continued involvement, as industry, in making proposals and in querying, evaluating and shaping those of others. You are the experts on how things can be expected to work at the implementation phase. If you see difficulties, or have a better solution to a problem, I welcome your suggestions and your contributions to refining what is proposed,” – Milovanovic added.
Gillian Milovanovic said that following numerous consultations with government, industry, and civil society, she is convinced that the KP's reform of the definition shall be focused on three key elements:
- KP certificates must continue to ensure that the rough diamonds are free from conflict; certification should not address human rights, financial transparency, and economic development, which are better advanced through the exchange of best practices;
- Additional certification standards beyond the current definition should apply only to armed conflict/violence that is demonstrably related to rough diamonds and independently verified.  It should not apply to isolated, individual incidents, or to circumstances or situations in which an armed conflict exists unrelated to the diamond sector; and
- KP safeguards could be implemented site-by-site, consistent with systems for other conflict minerals, such as the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region certification system.

Olga Patseva, Editor in Chief of the American Bureau, Rough&Polished