Kimberley Process Stalemate Persists as Russia Blocks Discussion on Diamond Funding for Ukraine War
Canada participated in the 21st Plenary Meeting of the Kimberley Process on Conflict Diamonds, held November 12-15 in Dubai, reaffirming its commitment to the initiative while criticizing Russia’s ongoing obstruction. “Canada participated in the 21st Plenary Meeting of the Kimberley Process on Conflict Diamonds held from November 12 to 15, 2024, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As a founding member, Canada values this multilateral forum for the role that it has played in breaking the link between conflict and diamonds since its founding in 2003.”
Russia’s Veto Throws Spotlight on Need for Kimberley Process Reform
“Unfortunately for the third year in a row, Russia blocked participants from discussing the role that the sale of its rough diamonds plays in funding its illegal invasion of Ukraine. Canada continues to support Ukraine’s call that the Kimberley Process address how Russian diamonds are fuelling its illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Kimberley Process’s inability to examine this issue underscores the need for meaningful reform, in particular by expanding the definition of conflict diamonds, so it remains a legitimate conflict prevention mechanism. Canada, a leading rough diamond producing country, is committed to this work and will continue to push for a definition in keeping with modern demands and expectations.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), established in 2003, aims to prevent the trade of “conflict diamonds” – rough diamonds used to finance war and violence. However, Canada argues its effectiveness is hindered by the organization’s current definition of conflict diamonds, a definition Russia has successfully wielded to prevent any discussion of its diamonds potentially fueling the war in Ukraine.
Canada Advocates for Modernized Definition of Conflict Diamonds
“wpaert from its geopolitical implications,” said a Canadian official, “this situation also highlights broader concerns about the Kimberley Process’s relevance in a rapidly changing global landscape. We need a definition that reflects the realities of the 21st century.”
Canada, which holds a prominent position in the global diamond industry, is urging the Kimberley Process to adopt a broader definition of conflict diamonds, one that accounts for the increasingly complex financing of conflict and instability. This renewed focus on updating the KPCS comes after years of debate within the organization about its scope and effectiveness.
Progress in Central African Republic Offers a Beacon of Hope
Despite the ongoing stalemate over Russia’s diamonds, Canada celebrated the successful lifting of rough diamond export restrictions on the Central African Republic (CAR), a key decision secured during the Dubai meeting.
“Canada was pleased to contribute efforts that saw the lifting of rough diamond export restrictions, subject to continued enhanced vigilance measures, in the Central African Republic (CAR). This development will allow the citizens of the CAR to benefit from their rough diamond resource wealth while ensuring compliance with the Kimberley Process requirements.”
The restrictions on the CAR, imposed in 2013 due to concerns over government corruption and human rights abuses, stifled the country’s diamond sector and deprived it of significant revenue. After years of reform efforts and increased transparency, the Kimberley Process agreed to lift the sanctions, recognizing the CAR’s progress and commitment to ethical diamond production. The decision paves the way for the CAR to utilize its diamond resources for sustainable development and economic growth.
What are Canada’s proposed reforms to the Kimberley Process, and why are they being pushed?
## Kimberley Process Stalled: Can it Keep Blood Diamonds Out of the Market?
**Host:** Joining us today to discuss the ongoing stalemate within the Kimberley Process is [Name of Alex Reed], a [Alex Reed’s Title and Expertise]. Welcome to the show!
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. The Kimberley Process, designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the market, seems to be facing a significant roadblock. Can you explain what’s happening?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. The Kimberley Process, which was established over twenty years ago, prevents diamonds used to finance violence from entering the global market. However, its effectiveness is being challenged by the current conflict in Ukraine. Russia, a major diamond producer, is blocking discussions on whether its diamond sales might be directly funding its war efforts. This is the third year in a row that Russia has taken this stance, creating a major impasse.
**Host:** So, Canada, a founding member of the Kimberley Process, is expressing concerns about this situation. What are their specific demands?
**Alex Reed:** Canada, along with many other nations, argue that the Kimberley Process needs to modernize its definition of “conflict diamonds.” Currently, the definition is quite narrow and outdated. It needs to be broadened to encompass situations where a country’s diamond revenues may be used to fuel acts of aggression or international conflict, as we see in Ukraine. Canada is pushing for this reform to ensure the Kimberley Process remains an effective tool for preventing diamonds from fueling violence.
**Host:** This raises some very important questions. Is there any hope for a resolution to this stalemate?
**Alex Reed:** It’s a challenging situation. There is a clear need for reform within the Kimberley Process, but Russia’s veto power makes consensus difficult to achieve. The international community needs to work together to find a compromise that addresses both the humanitarian concerns surrounding the war in Ukraine and the broader goal of ensuring a truly conflict-free diamond trade. The future of the Kimberley Process depends on it.
**Host:** [Name of Alex Reed], thank you for shedding light on this complex issue. This is a crucial debate with far-reaching implications. We appreciate your insights.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure.
