The Kimberley Process, a multilateral trade regime which aims to prevent the flow of conflict diamonds, held its Plenary meeting on 6-10 November in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. After intensive negotiations, the Plenary failed to reach consensus on the final communiqué.
Despite numerous efforts and constructive engagement from the EU and other participants, the Russian Federation rejected any reference to Ukraine’s request for an agenda item on the implications for the Kimberley Process of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.
We deplore the Kimberley Process’ inability to consider the consequences for the global rough diamond sector of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. We regret that despite the significant revenues generated by Russia’s diamond exports and the Kimberley Process’ core mandate to break the link between the trade in diamonds and conflict, it was not possible to reach consensus to include an item on the agenda and discuss the matter. This casts a shadow on its ability to stay fit for purpose and address challenges affecting its core mandate.
We appreciate the participants’ active efforts towards a meaningful reform with a view to ensure that the proceeds from rough diamonds are never used to fund directly or indirectly any conflict of any kind, or to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of another State.
One year after the launch of the Review and Reform Cycle, we regret however the lack of substantive progress on the definition of conflict diamonds despite the necessity of such a reform to ensure the legitimacy and credibility of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
We welcome the progress made towards a more effective administration of its Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and the finalisation of documents required for the effective launch of its Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana. We will monitor closely the next steps regarding the appointment of the Executive Secretary.
We remain committed to ensuring that the Kimberley Process continues to fulfil its role as a unique tool for conflict prevention, a catalyst for good governance and transparency in natural resources management, and as an instrument for peace building and sustaining peace. We look forward to working closely and constructively in this regard with the United Arab Emirates as Chair in 2024, and with all participants and observers in the year ahead.
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