UN Resolution Calls for KP Reforms

RAPAPORT... The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has enacted aresolution calling for reforms to increase the effectiveness of the KimberleyProcess (KP), the World Diamond Council (WDC) said. The European Union proposed the resolution at the assembly's73rd session on March 1, with all 193 UNGA members agreeing to it. "We are most heartened by the adoption of the resolution bythe UNGA, not only because it echoes the call for reform that we advocatedtogether with civil society at the most recent KP plenary meeting in Brussels,but also because it was passed with the support of all United Nations membercountries, including those in whose territories diamonds are mined, processed,traded and sold in jewelry," WDC president Stephane Fischler said Monday. The move follows an appeal by Fischler for the KP toimplement changes to its policy - particularly an expansion of its definitionof conflict diamonds - during a special meeting at the UNGA last week. The WDCbacked a proposal by Canada to that effect at the KP's plenary meeting inNovember. "We strongly hope that this across-the-board commitment tothe continuous improvement in the integrity of the global rough-diamond supplychain by all these nations will be repeated in the Kimberley Process forum overthe course of this year," Fischler added. The UN's support emphasizes the WDC's position, the council said, adding that it hoped it was a sign of increased participation in the KPgoing forward. "It underscored our deeply held belief that the KP's role isnot only defensive, but it is also proactive, in that it is a catalyst forcreating societies with sustainable economic opportunities," Fischler explained. The resolution also received backing from members of theindustry. "I fully support the UN and World Diamond Council's call tostrengthen the Kimberley Process," David Bouffard, Signet Jewelers' vicepresident of corporate affairs, tweeted Monday. "Keeping the KP relevant playsa vital role in the continuous improvement in the integrity of the globaljewelry supply chain." Image: 2018 Kimberley Process chair Hilde Hardeman addressing the United Nations General Assembly. (World Diamond Council)