World Diamond Council Calls for Action on Kimberley Process

WINDHOEK, Namibia - Speaking on behalf of the diamond industry, the World Diamond Council (WDC) today joined with civil society in calling on governments to renew and strengthen their commitment to the Kimberley Process.

Since its inception in 2003, the Kimberley Process has played a key role in the effort to eliminate the scourge of conflict diamonds from the global diamond trade. Today, the Kimberley Process ensures that more than 99% of the global production of rough diamonds is certified to be from conflict free sources.

Having successfully dealt with problems in major conflict scenarios, it is now necessary that the Kimberley Process is provided with the continued support and additional resources it needs to robustly address the issue of the illegal smuggling of diamonds from several smaller diamond producing and trading countries.

Specifically, the WDC, on behalf of the diamond industry, joins with civil society in calling upon Kimberley Process member governments to work together to:

- Take swift action when faced with cases of non-compliance and agree on interim suspension mechanism with clear criteria - Require of its participants stronger government oversight of the diamond industry, including spot checks of companies - Require the cutting and polishing sector to adhere to Kimberley Process standards and the WDC System of Warranties - Require participants to improve internal controls and increase collaboration and enforcement efforts to combat rough diamond smuggling

The WDC will reiterate the need to address these points when it participates next week in the multi-sectoral review mission, alongside governments and civil society, to assess Zimbabwe’s compliance to the Kimberley Process.

Source: World Diamond Council

Contacts: Andrew Bone, +44-7718-656-150; Matt Runci, +1-646-280-9511; John Hall, +32-496-161-242