KP to meet for Reform and Review!

KP Ad Hoc Committee on Reform and Review meeting during April 25 and 26 is likely to focus much on the broader understanding of the term, conflict diamonds-contained in the System of Warranties (SoWs). Recently

Stephane Fischler, WDC President said, “It is our fervent hope!” in the context! De facto WDC is also lobbying for a strengthening of the standards and modalities currently in place within the KP, like the peer review mechanisms, better data gathering and the establishment of a permanent KP Secretariat.

All this should be achieved within the content of the KP's proven tripartite structure, involving government, industry and civil society. Reform cannot be imposed. It should be introduced in a spirit of cooperation and fairness, with a consistent commitment to strive for better.

Earlier, in the February, the Kimberley Process Civil Society Coalition (KP CSC) had participated in a panel discussion entitled, ‘From blood diamonds to peace diamonds: conflict prevention through the Kimberley Process’. Where, the KP CSC urged the UN to engage more in the Kimberley Process and secure oversight to further the much needed reform agenda. The UN must help the Kimberley Process to live up to its conflict prevention mandate.

Now, at the meeting, KP CSC is likely to highlight the dangerous implications of the involvement of military officials in diamond mining or trading for national and international stability. NGO, media and expert reports have raised concerns about such issues in countries like Zimbabwe, Angola, DRC and Venezuela.

De facto, the KP reforms process which is underway, as it will create a more organized and transparent system. Main stream diamond players are gazing to see a meaningful change.