A recap of the Kimberley Process meeting

Delegates of the 81 countries that make up the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme met in Johannesburg, South Africa, from Nov. 19 to 22 to discuss the possibilities of reform. Now that the meeting has ended, those who follow KPCS news are saddened to learn that the goal to change the definition of conflict diamonds was not met.

A broad definition

At the outset of the meeting, delegates hoped to expand the definition of blood diamonds. According to All Africa, the current definition refers to gems that are sold by violent rebel groups to fund their militaristic campaigns. This understanding of the term has not been enough to account for the human, environmental and other rights abuses in diamond-producing areas. The perceived failure of the KPCS to hold states accountable for these offenses has prompted delegates to speak out on the issue.

Another reason the KPCS had hoped to broaden the definition was because of criticism it received from groups such as the the Global Witness. The Kimberley Process has been labeled as outdated because it has not addressed the links between diamonds, violence and tyranny.

While the definition was discussed in the meeting, KPCS delegates were unable to create a new meaning for conflict and blood diamonds that accurately depicts what they hope to achieve.

Successes

According to Deutsche Welle, delegates agreed to maintain a ban on the Central African Republic in regard to diamond sales. The ban will remain in effect until the country proves its ability to prevent the diamonds from being used to fuel conflicts. The KPCS decided to aid the Ivory Coast in enforcing rules against the sale and use of conflict diamonds.

Routine changes

While the meeting was unsuccessful in producing reforms, members did conclude 2013 with a few routine hand-offs. China will act as the new chair of the Kimberley Process in 2014. Members voted on the vice chair for 2015 and ended up choosing Angola.