07 Nov 2019

The Kimberly Process, the international body that regulates trade in rough diamonds, has been hailed as a success.

Speaking during the Diamond Conference held in Gaborone on Tuesday, Mr Stephanie Fischler, President of the World Diamond Council WDC), said the process was all about building trust and delivering on brand promises.

The Kimberly Process was initiated by civil society and the United Nations following conflicts in the African continent where rebels used revenues accrued from diamonds to launch attacks on governments.

Mr Fischler said the idea was to compromise the illicit trade in rough diamonds, adding that it had been achieved and that the process was in its last phase.

The WDC represents the whole diamond supply chain from mining companies to retailers involving 82 countries. Mr Fischler said they were doing an amazing job, adding that they owed it to consumers to state what exactly constituted a conflict diamond.

“Botswana and Russia, leading countries in diamond production, have each made proposals,” he said.  He said they needed more collaboration to exchange expertise on the betterment of the industry. The next Kimberly Process meeting will be held in India under the theme: Protecting the integrity of natural diamonds.

For her part, Ms Iris Van der Veken, executive director of Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), said their aim was to build trust and transparency in the industry.  She said they have 1 200 companies and would be celebrating 20 years next year.

Ms Van der Veken said they adhered to high standards which protected labour and human rights laws. She explained that their process was long and complex, adding that it took time but they remained proactive.

She noted that the RJC subscribed to the 17 UN Millennial Development Goals and stressed that it was important for the industry to adhere to them.ENDS