WDC to Propose New Conflict-Diamond Definition

RAPAPORT... The World Diamond Council (WDC) will propose an expandeddefinition of conflict diamonds at this week's Kimberley Process (KP) plenarymeeting in Brussels. The broader wording will address "grave and systematicviolence," the WDC said Thursday, without giving more details. The council willpresent the change to attendees before member states vote on the matter, WDCpresident Stephane Fischler told Rapaport News. All countries must agreefor the amendment to take effect. "As long as no one votes against the motion, it is adopted,"Fischler said. The definition has been the subject of debate for severalyears, as critics have argued that the current language doesn't reflect thepresent situation. It defines conflict diamonds as "rough diamonds used byrebel movements or their allies to finance conflict aimed at undermininglegitimate governments," but doesn't mention human-rights abuses by statesthemselves. The WDC, which represents the diamond industry at the KP,also wants to establish a permanent secretariat responsible for overseeingbanned countries' return to the market. In addition, it aims to improve thepeer-review mechanism under which countries assess each other's KP compliance.It will also discuss how the KP can engage a "stronger and more diverse set" ofAfrican nations and help African countries become compliant with the KP'srules. "This is our final KP meeting of the year, and it marks animportant milestone as we close the second [year] of a three-year review cyclefor the KPCS [Kimberley Process Certification Scheme]," Fischler said. "I am encouraged so far by how members areembracing the spirit of collaboration and desire for reform. This makes itpossible for us to remain singularly focused on driving meaningful change aspart of the sustainable-development commitment of the diamond industry." The KP plenary runs from Monday through Thursday. Image: Stephane Fischler.