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Kimberley Process Review Reveals Holes
By B. Earth | December 10, 2008
Since its launch in 2003, the Kimberley Process of international diamond certification has prevented large quantities of conflict diamonds from entering consumer markets, but there is more work to be done. At the recent sixth annual meeting of the Kimberley Process, Partnership Africa Canada presented a report pointing to dangerous holes in the process. The Partnership called upon India, the current Kimberley Process Chair, to initiate immediate discussion of their recommendations for action. 
The report presents evidence of numerous incidences of smuggling, most alarmingly in Venezuela, which illegally exports an estimated 200,000 carats of rough diamonds every year. Additionally, it identifies widely scattered artisanal mines as a particular problem, and calls for an increase in oversight and monitoring all along the global diamond supply chain.
Canada has been a pioneer in its adherence to the Kimberley Process, and we applaud their efforts. Partnership Africa Canada’s report offers targeted suggestions for improvement and coordination of regional and international law enforcement, as well as for punishment for infractions. We hope this initiative will go a long way toward helping the Kimberley Process to increase in both scope and efficiency, and to further legitimize the global diamond supply.
To read Partnership Africa Canada’s report, visit:
http://www.pacweb.org/e/images/stories/documents/loupe_holes_nov2008.pdf
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