GJ Town India

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 preve...

WDC welcomes reforms to enhance effectiveness of the KP The World Diamond Council (WDC) has welcomed the adoption of a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on March 1, which calls for a strengthening of the Kimberley Process (KP), to more effectively sever the link between the illicit transaction of rough diamonds and armed conflict, thereby contributing to the maintenance of international peace and, in particular, security and sustainable development in artisanal diamond-mining regions. The resolution, which was proposed by the European Union (EU), was ratified by consensus by the members of the 193-member UNGA body. "We are most heartened by the adoption of the resolution by the UNGA, not only because it echoes the call for reform that we advocated together with civil society at the most recent KP Plenary Meeting in Brussels, but also because it was passed with the support of all United Nations member countries, including those in whose ter...