UN Resolution Calls for KP Reforms

RAPAPORT… The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has enacted a
resolution calling for reforms to increase the effectiveness of the Kimberley
Process (KP), the World Diamond Council (WDC) said.



The European Union proposed the resolution at the assembly’s
73rd session on March 1, with all 193 UNGA members agreeing to it.


“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 territories diamonds are mined, processed,
traded and sold in jewelry,” WDC president Stephane Fischler said Monday.


The move follows an appeal by Fischler for the KP to
implement changes to its policy — particularly an expansion of its definition
of conflict diamonds — during a special meeting at the UNGA last week. The WDC
backed a proposal by Canada to that effect at the KP’s plenary meeting in
November.


“We strongly hope that this across-the-board commitment to
the continuous improvement in the integrity of the global rough-diamond supply
chain by all these nations will be repeated in the Kimberley Process forum over
the course of this year,” Fischler added.


The UN’s support emphasizes the WDC’s position, the council said, adding that it hoped it was a sign of increased participation in the KP
going forward.


“It underscored our deeply held belief that the KP’s role is
not only defensive, but it is also proactive, in that it is a catalyst for
creating societies with sustainable economic opportunities,” Fischler explained.



The resolution also received backing from members of the
industry.


“I fully support the UN and World Diamond Council’s call to
strengthen the Kimberley Process,” David Bouffard, Signet Jewelers’ vice
president of corporate affairs, tweeted Monday. “Keeping the KP relevant plays
a vital role in the continuous improvement in the integrity of the global
jewelry supply chain.”


Image: 2018 Kimberley Process chair Hilde Hardeman addressing the United Nations General Assembly. (World Diamond Council)