The 2017 Plenary of the Kimberley Process closed over the weekend in Brisbane, Australia (December 9-14). According to Gem Konnect, World Diamond Council (WDC) Acting President Stephane Fischler stated at the end: “We have all agreed change is urgent and vital to meet consumer expectations and we look forward for the decisions made this week to be translated into meaningful progress”.
The Plenary held discussions about “expanding the meaning and scope of conflict diamonds” and “consensus was reached on the creation of an ad hoc review and reform committee, an important commitment according to the WDC”. The Plenary also concluded on the need for a permanent secretariat, set in a neutral country, to strengthen long-term implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS).
Prior to the Plenary, Fischler called for discussions on the need to reform the Kimberley Process (KP). In a press conference a week before, Fischler said that the KP needs to broaden its scope “by expanding the definition of conflict diamonds to also encompass safe and secure working conditions, fair labor practices and sustainable development in diamond communities”. The WDC also called for establishing “a permanent secretariat based in a neutral country”, the restoration of KPCS implementation in sanctioned countries, support for development projects in participant countries and more.
