The Kimberley Process and Blood Diamonds
Introduction to the Kimberley Process
The Kimberley Process (KP) is an international certification scheme established in 2003 to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds, also known as blood diamonds.
These diamonds are mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict against governments. They have been brought to the public's attention by the legendary movie with Leonardo DiCaprio "Blood Diamond".
The KP was created in response to growing concerns about the role of diamonds in fueling violence and human rights abuses. It aims to ensure that diamonds traded globally are conflict-free by requiring participating countries to implement stringent controls and provide certification for all rough diamond exports.
The Kimberley Process has been endorsed by the United Nations and involves governments, the diamond industry, and civil society organizations working together to promote ethical diamond trade.
How the Kimberley Process Works
The Kimberley Process operates through a system of warranties and certificates that track diamonds from their point of origin to their final sale.
Participating countries must meet specific requirements, including establishing internal controls, implementing export and import controls, and providing transparent data on diamond production and trade.
Each shipment of rough diamonds must be accompanied by a Kimberley Process certificate, guaranteeing that the diamonds are conflict-free. The KP also conducts periodic reviews and inspections to ensure compliance with its standards.
By creating a transparent and accountable supply chain, the Kimberley Process aims to eliminate the trade in conflict diamonds and promote responsible sourcing practices within the diamond industry.
Why the Kimberley Process Failed Dramatically
Despite its goals, the Kimberley Process has faced significant criticism and challenges, leading many to argue that it has failed dramatically in its mission.
One of the primary criticisms is that the KP’s definition of conflict diamonds is too narrow, focusing only on diamonds used to finance rebel movements against legitimate governments.
This definition excludes diamonds associated with other forms of violence, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation.
Additionally, the KP’s reliance on self-reporting and lack of independent oversight has led to numerous instances of non-compliance and corruption.
Some countries have been accused of issuing fraudulent certificates, allowing conflict diamonds to enter the legitimate market.
Furthermore, the KP has been criticized for its inability to address systemic issues within the diamond industry, such as slavery and environmental harm.
These shortcomings have undermined the credibility and effectiveness of the Kimberley Process, prompting calls for reform and the development of more comprehensive and robust certification schemes.
Misleading Consumers and Worsened Conflicts
The Kimberley Process has also been criticized for misleading consumers by promising clean diamonds without being able to fully deliver on that promise.
Many consumers believe that purchasing diamonds with a Kimberley Process certificate guarantees that their diamonds are free from any association with conflict or unethical practices.
However, due to the KP’s limitations and instances of non-compliance, conflict diamonds still continue today to enter the market under the disguise of being conflict-free.
This false sense of security has also led to a lack of scrutiny and awareness among consumers, allowing the trade of blood diamonds to persist.
Consequently, the continued circulation of conflict diamonds has exacerbated conflicts and human rights abuses in diamond-producing regions, not only undermining the very goals the Kimberley Process set out to achieve but making them worse.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Kimberley Process represented a significant effort to address the issue of conflict diamonds and to promote ethical diamond trade.
But its limitations and failures have highlighted the need for ongoing reform and improvement.
The narrow definition of conflict diamonds, lack of independent oversight, and inability to address broader industry issues have all contributed to the Kimberley Process’s shortcomings.
Additionally, the misleading assurance of clean diamonds has allowed conflict diamonds to continue circulating, worsening conflicts and human rights abuses.
Today, the only way to make sure you buy a clean diamond is to purchase a lab diamond as it's produced by engineers in a high-tech environment instead of being potentially mined by slaves in a guerilla region.