What Is the Kimberley Process?
The Kimberley Process (KP) is a multilateral trade regime aimed towards removing “conflict diamonds” from the global supply chain. Established in 2003, the KP functions as a commitment that prevents the flow of “conflict diamonds” (otherwise known as “blood diamonds”) – which are defined as rough diamonds used to finance wars against governments. With 59 participants, the KP purportedly accounts for 99.8% of the global production of rough diamonds.
However, the KP has limitations. Their strict, narrow definition of what constitutes a “conflict diamond” (only gems with profits used to fund wars against legitimate governments) can turn a blind eye to the blatant human rights abuses, violence, exploitation, and environmental degradation that stems from diamond-rich countries who are already active participants of the KP.
How Does the Kimberley Process Work?
The Kimberley Process operates a certification system with several key requirements that participants follow:
- Certification Requirements: International shipments of rough diamonds are to be accompanied by a Kimberley Process Certificate. The KP Certificate includes details such as the parcel’s weight, origin (if available), and other identifying information, creating a paper (or electronic) trail.
- Trading Restrictions: Participants can only engage in rough diamond trade with other Kimberley Process members.
- Transparency Standards: All participating countries must share accurate statistical data regarding their diamond production and trade.
- National Legislation: Countries must implement strict domestic laws and establish institutions to enforce Kimberley Process requirements.
Who Started the Kimberley Process?
In May 2000, several diamond-producing South African states met in Kimberley, South Africa along with industry stakeholders and diamond trading experts to discuss ways to prevent the trade of “conflict diamonds.” The states aimed to ensure that diamond profits were not financing violent rebel movements to undermine legitimate governments.
Later that year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution in support of an international certification scheme for rough diamonds. Three years later, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme was developed, officially setting requirements for controlling rough diamond production and trade at an international scale.
Is the Kimberley Process Working?
Yes and no. The effectiveness of the Kimberley Process shows both significant achievements and notable limitations:
Achievements
- Reduction in “conflict diamonds” from approximately 15% in the 1990s to less than 1% of global diamond production today.
- Economic benefits for diamond-producing countries, such as Botswana, where the diamond trade generates significant government revenue.
- Creation of an unprecedented framework for collaboration between governments, industry, and civil society.
Limitations
- Narrow definition of “conflict diamonds” that excludes other forms of violence and human rights abuses and environmental concerns.
- Challenges with enforcement and preventing smuggling.
- Lack of robust mechanisms for monitoring and penalizing non-compliance.
- Relies on documentation provided at the point of export and is therefore not an independent verification of “conflict‑free” status.
- It is not an in‐depth audit of a diamond’s origin or supply chain integrity.