South Africa's Role in the Kimberley
Process (Import and Export of Rough Diamonds)
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The Kimberley Process, chaired by South Africa
since 2000, has its origins in the decision of Southern
African countries to take action to stop the flow
of "conflict" diamonds to the markets,
while at the same time protecting the legitimate
diamond industry. The Kimberley Process involves
more than 50 governments, the European Community,
the diamond industry and civil society and has established
a set of minimum acceptable international standards
for national certification schemes relating to trade
in rough diamonds. The certification scheme is helping
to stem the flow of rough diamonds from rebel-held
conflict areas, in support of the existing UN Security
Council sanctions, thereby contributing substantially
to peace efforts.
On 5 November 2002, after more than two years of
consultation and negotiation, the Kimberley Process
Certification Scheme (KPCS) was launched at a ministerial
meeting held in Interlaken, Switzerland. The implementation
of the KPCS began on 1 January 2003. By participating
in the KPCS, participants underline their deep concern
about the international trade in conflict diamonds,
which can be directly linked to the fuelling of
conflicts, the activities of rebel movements aimed
at undermining or overthrowing legitimate governments
and the illicit traffic in, and proliferation of
armaments, especially small arms and light weapons.
From 1 January 2003 Participants in the KPCS have
not imported rough diamond shipments from non-participating
states, nor have they exported rough diamonds to
non-participating states. All rough diamond trading
states are welcome to participate in the Kimberley
Process. The KPCS is not only contributing to peace
but is also protecting the legitimate diamond industry.
Less than 4 % of global diamond production is regarded
as ‘conflict diamonds’, while a number
of developing countries who are major producers
and processors of diamonds depend heavily on the
legitimate diamond industry for their economic and
social development.
South Africa agreed to continue to Chair the Kimberley
Process during the first year of its international
implementation.
The following states and the European Community
(representing its 15 Member States) will participate
in the KPCS from 1 January 2003: Algeria, Angola,
Armenia, Australia, Belarus, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina
Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic,
People’s Republic of China, Democratic Republic
of the Congo, Cyprus, Cote d’Ivoire, Czech
Republic, European Community, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea,
Guyana, Hungary, India, Israel, Japan, Democratic
People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Korea, Laos,
Lebanon, Lesotho, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritius,
Mexico, Namibia, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Russian
Federation, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, South Africa,
Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand,
Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates,
United States of America, Venezuela, Vietnam and
Zimbabwe. Japan, Cyprus, Sri Lanka and Malta have
expressed a clear intention to become participants
in the KPCS and will notify the Chair as soon as
they are ready to participate. States ready to become
Participants subsequent to 1 January 2003, will
notify the Chair in writing.
For more information on the Kimberley Process,
please visit www.kimberleyprocess.com.
