What is the Kimberley Process?

The Kimberley Process has been designed to deter the trade of conflict diamonds. Conflict diamonds, or “blood” diamonds, are gemstones sold to finance violent rebel movements in Africa. Conflict diamonds have been linked to atrocities in Angola, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In May of the year 2000, South African diamond producing states met in Kimberley, South Africa in an attempt to put an end to the violence, and to ease consumer’s minds about funding human rights violations. With the full support of the United Nations, the diamond industry, world governments and many others went to work. After almost two years of negotiations, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was put in place which outlines strict standards for rough diamond trade to guard against conflict diamond trafficking.

The process has been very effective and continues to evolve. As of November 2013, there are 54 participants representing 80 countries, with the European Community counting as a single participant. The participants include all major rough diamond producing, exporting and importing countries. Annual meetings and open communication between participants continue to bring the world increasingly closer to the eradication of conflict diamond trading across the globe.

For more information check out the Kimberley Process official website at http://www.kimberleyprocess.com/en