What is wrong with the Kimberley Process?
The process has two main flaws. First, its narrow terms of certification focus solely on the mining and distribution of conflict diamonds, meaning that broader issues around worker exploitation – the health and safety of working conditions, the use of child labour and fair pay – are not addressed.
Where do blood diamonds come from?
The flow of Conflict Diamonds has originated mainly from Sierra Leone, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, and Ivory Coast. The United Nations and other groups are working to block the entry of conflict diamonds into the worldwide diamond trade.
What is the problem with blood diamonds?
The tragic result is bloodshed, loss of life, and shocking human rights abuses – from rape to the use of child soldiers. Diamonds that fuel civil wars are often called “blood” or “conflict” diamonds. Although many diamond-fueled wars have now ended, conflict diamonds remain a serious problem.
What happens at the Marange diamond fields?
Thousands of villagers around east Zimbabwe’s Marange diamond fields took to the streets on Monday to protest the looting of diamond revenue and were met by armed soldiers and police who fired tear gas canisters to disperse the demonstrators, according to witnesses interviewed by Human Rights Watch.
Was there a diamond on the Titanic?
The Heart of the Ocean in the Titanic film is not a real piece of jewellery, but is hugely popular nonetheless. The jewellery is, however, based on a real diamond, the 45.52-carat Hope Diamond. This 56-carat diamond was worth up to £7.5 million.
What are the flaws in the Kimberley Process?
This Global Witness report highlights flaws in the implementation of the Kimberley Process. The systems of controls put in place by governments to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds are poorly enforced and as a result, some members of the diamond industry continue to trade in conflict diamonds.
What is the Kimberley Process (KP)?
The Kimberley Process (KP) is a multilateral trade regime established in 2003 with the goal of preventing the flow of conflict diamonds. The core of this regime is the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) under which States implement safeguards on shipments of rough diamonds and certify them as “conflict free”.
What has the Kimberley Process meant for the diamond industry?
The Kimberley system of “voluntary self-regulation” on the part of the diamond industry has meant a significant lack of transparency and independent monitoring efforts. The World Diamond Council, initially established to represent the diamond industry at the Kimberley Process, has failed to coordinate effective industry monitoring.
Is the Kimberley Process a ‘perfect cover story’ for blood diamonds?
The Kimberley Process is a ‘perfect cover story’ for blood diamonds. The Kimberley Process, designed to prevent trade in conflict diamonds, is doubly flawed. Blood diamonds, and the harrowing stories behind them, entered public consciousness more than a decade ago.