The Relief of Kimberley

The first thing that needs to be said about the Kimberley Process is that it is not a perfect construct. That is why this unique and extraordinary partnership between governments, the international diamond industry and civil society meets twice each year to improve and refine the systems that have resulted in diamonds being one of the most monitored and audited natural resources in the world.

Millions of people around the world depend on the diamond industry for their livelihoods, many of them from developing countries. In Botswana, Namibia and South Africa this precious natural resource thas been used to help build stable and thriving democracies, and to bring the benefits of education, healthcare and employment to the people

From a diamond industry perspective, we are — more than most — dependent on safeguarding consumer confidence and an effective and credible Kimberley Process is our primary safeguard. To ensure credibility, the diamond industry has, from the very beginning, worked closely with the UN, governments and NGOs to develop systems and provide expertise wherever it is needed. Members of the diamond industry actively participate on every working group within the process.

Furthermore, industry expertise has enabled countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone to establish better governance in the way they manage this precious resource that will be a significant element in rebuilding their economies and healing the wounds of civil war.

Finally, the international diamond industry, as represented by the World Diamond Council, believes that a workable and effective Kimberley Process is absolutely essential if we, and the millions of people who depend on this industry, are to be properly protected from criminal activity, and rebel or terrorist organisations that have no interest whatsoever in protecting the lives of innocents, in business ethics or in sustainable development in Africa.

Andrew Bone is Director of Government Relations at De Beers Group.