The resolution emphasizes the need to continue kimberley process activities and calls for further strengthening of the process to improve its effectiveness and contribution to international peace and security, peacebuilding, and the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. It also requests the establishment of a multi-donor trust fund and a dedicated secretariat.
Conflict diamonds
Conflict diamonds are a serious problem for conflict-affected communities. In 2003, Global Witness and PAC were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in part due to their work on the topic. The two organizations pressed governments and the diamond industry to address the issue. They also highlighted the fact that there was little oversight over the diamond movement and that the trade was disrupting peace in Sierra Leone.
However, The Kimberley Process certification scheme has greatly reduced the market for conflict diamonds. This has cut off a major source of funding for militias and rebel groups. However, a new report from Global Witness warns that the Certification Scheme is not a credible check on the international movement of diamonds. The report also urges countries to review their internal control systems and implement stronger checks on the private sector.
Registration system
China has implemented the Kimberley Process certification scheme, which includes an international certificate of registration. The certificate is valid for two years. Under the Kimberley Process certification scheme, the process is audited and certified by independent agencies from around the world. Chinese buyers must agree to such supervision, as breaches of warranty can lead to legal proceedings.
The process also involves checking and certifying that goods meet the minimum standards. The registration process includes collecting data on the origin, size, and weight of rough diamonds. Statistics are also available on the origin, trade and amount of each piece.
Importation requirements
The Importation requirements of the 22 Kimberly Process entail the requirement that importers must obtain a Kimberley Process certificate before purchasing a product. These certificates are issued by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which requires international certification and audit declarations. The certificate must also be accepted by the competent agencies of the exporting country.
The Kimberley Process certificate must accompany all rough diamonds imported or exported from the U.S. The certificate must be in original form and must be presented upon demand by CBP officials. If the certificate cannot be presented, importers must provide a copy of it. The CBPO can then authenticate the Kimberley Process certificate and ensure the goods’ authenticity.
The Kimberley Process certification scheme is backed by legislation. It outlines the rules and regulations for the certification of rough diamonds. The legislation was signed into law in 2003 and is enforced by Natural Resources Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It also requires diamond trading bodies to cooperate with inspection and quarantine authorities and provide the necessary conditions.
Marange stones as “conflict diamonds”
There is a growing concern about the ethical treatment of Marange stones. The government of Zimbabwe has taken control of the Marange fields and is collaborating with private companies that employ thousands of people to mine them. Local companies are accused of illegal mining and are being targeted by NGOs.
Human rights groups claim that the mining operations in Marange result in human rights violations. The country has also faced widespread smuggling of Marange stones. It is also believed that profits from the sale of Marange stones do not accrue to the national treasury. These issues have led the Kimberley Process to struggle to authorise Marange stone exports. The DRC, which currently leads the Kimberley Process, recently issued a statement saying that it would resume exports of Marange stones with full monitoring. The United States and other countries have expressed disappointment in the decision, as the decision was not reached by consensus.
However, despite the controversy, the Kimberley Process does allow Marange stones to be sold as conflict-free. As a result, over 1 million carats of Marange diamonds have entered the international market in recent years.
Importation of diamonds from kimberley process participants
Importation of diamonds from kimbelley process participants is governed by a number of laws. Section 6(b) of the Act requires the President to publish a list of Participants. Section 2 of Executive Order 13312 delegates this responsibility to the Secretary of State. The Act also establishes the Importing Authority, which is a state or entity designated by the Participant to verify Kimberley Process Certificates.
Conclusion
The Kimberley Process is a multilateral trade regime created in 2003 that aims to eliminate conflict diamond trade. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme requires participating states to safeguard the shipments of rough diamonds and certify them as conflict free. All major producing, exporting, and importing countries have joined the Kimberley Process.
