The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is the process established in 2003 to prevent “conflict diamonds” from entering the mainstream rough diamond market by United Nations General Assembly Resolution following recommendations in the Fowler Report.
The process was set up “to ensure that diamond purchases were not financing violence by rebel movements and their allies seeking to undermine legitimate governments.”
The effectiveness of the process has been brought into question by organizations such as Global Witness, which pulled out of the scheme on 5 December 2011, claiming it has failed in its purpose and does not provide markets with assurance that the diamonds are not conflict diamonds.
India has been elected as the Vice Chair for 2018 and Chair for 2019 of KPCS. The announcement was made at the recently held KP Plenary Meeting 2016 at Dubai.
Earlier, India had held this position of KP Chair in 2008.
The Vice Chair of WGS will also help India in preparing to take bigger responsibility of the Chair seamlessly. He further stated that the progression of Chairpersonship has been from Australia, a producing country to EU, a trading country, and India a manufacturing country of diamonds.
KP, in the hands of varied capabilities, ensures a perfect balance in overall improvement of the system. He further stated that in the process, the responsibility travels three continents ensuring geographically equitable distribution too.
India has been an important member in the world gem and jewellery industry and this position as chair of KPCS reinforces our position and acceptance by the world.
