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The president of the World Diamond Council has called on the industry to contribute to expanding the definition of ‘conflict diamonds’. | Source: World Diamond Council
The president of the World Diamond Council has called on the industry to contribute to expanding the definition of ‘conflict diamonds’. | Source: World Diamond Council

Conflict diamonds: Debate over definition rages on

The president of the World Diamond Council has called on the broader industry to contribute to expanding the definition of ‘conflict diamonds’.

Addressing the Kimberley Process plenary on 12 November, World Diamond Council president Feriel Zerouki said the entire industry must contribute to creating a unified understanding of what specifically constitutes conflict diamonds.

"It increasingly feels as though we, along with our colleagues in the Civil Society Coalition, and a few more, are shouldering this responsibility alone," she said.

"I'd like to remind everyone that accountability for this definition is shared, and it is the responsibility of all in the KP to actively engage and support the delivery of this mandate.

"We, as the World Diamond Council, are here to pursue genuine reform, not to partake in superficial efforts or empty gestures.

The Kimberley Process plenary in Zimbabwe in 2023 ended in a bitter deadlock due to disagreement over a proposal to broaden the definition of conflict diamonds to include ‘rough diamonds used to finance wars against governments’.

Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and the Central African Republic argued that the proposal was politically motivated and beyond the remit of the Kimberley Process.

Conflict diamonds are currently defined as rough diamonds used by rebels or their allies to finance armed conflicts to undermine legitimate governments.

“As the industry faces external pressures, the WDC remains steadfast in championing reforms that benefit stakeholders across the entire diamond supply chain, from producers to consumers,” Zerouki added.

“Leadership means standing firm on principles that ensure a sustainable future for the diamond sector.”

The Kimberley Process recently confirmed that the Central African Republic has been reinstated as a full member of the organisation, along with the addition of Uzbekistan.

More reading
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Under fire: Asking more of the Kimberley Process
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Conflict in Ukraine: Russian diamond sanctions saga continues
Unintended consequences: Russian diamond sanctions questioned
Ukraine conflict: European Union hits Alrosa CEO with sanctions
Conflict diamonds: Chaos at Kimberley Process meeting
Russia accuses Western powers of compromising Kimberley Process

 











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