Diamond Industry Expresses Regret over NGO Departure from KP

(IDEX Online News) – The decision by Global Witness to leave the Kimberley Process was met with regret by a couple of diamond industry bodies. Not joined by Partnership Africa Canada, Global Witness was called to reconsider its decision.

The World Diamond Council, the body that represents the diamond industry in KP, and Antwerp World Diamond Council, which represents the trade in Antwerp, both expressed regret over Global Witness’ decision.

The WDC said Monday that it calls on the organization's leadership to reconsider its position.

“The World Diamond Council has always felt that progress in the campaign to end the trade in conflict diamonds will come through dialogue and engagement, and in this respect feels that the decision by Global Witness to walk away from the table will be counterproductive.”

The WDC went on to list recent achievements, including the recent agreement to allow Zimbabwe to only export rough diamonds from operations that have demonstrated compliance, the close work with the United Nations to continue to monitor the Ivory Coast, and the December 20 deadline presented to Venezuela to provide the documents or be removed from the list of KP participants.

“The [KP] system is not perfect, and is in need of constant review. However, you cannot contribute to the process if you are no longer engaged," said WDC President Eli Izhakoff.

On Monday Global Witness said it’s leaving KP because of KP’s “refusal to evolve and address the clear links between diamonds, violence and tyranny has rendered it increasingly outdated.”

AWDC stated that KP “had always been an example of collaboration between states, NGOs and the diamond industry, providing a framework through which the integrity of the rough diamond chain is protected, while at the same time enabling producing countries to benefit from their natural resources.”

It added that KP needs constant review to preserve its integrity, and hopes that the Civil Society will continue to be a productive partner in this important initiative.

According to AWDC CEO Ari Epstein, It is “essential that a constructive and inclusive dialogue with the civil society can continue to preserve the credibility of the Scheme.

While voicing stark criticism of recent decisions by KP, NGO Partnership Africa Canada, which usually acts in unison with Global Witness, did not announce a similar move.