Policies & Issues

KP Plenary Again Ends With No Movement on ‘Conflict’ Definition

Policies & IssuesNov 18, 2021

KP Plenary Again Ends With No Movement on ‘Conflict’ Definition

Botswana will take over as chair of the Kimberley Process in 2022, with Zimbabwe serving as vice chair.

2021_Diamond engagement ring.jpg
The 2021 plenary meeting of the Kimberley Process, the scheme devised in 2000 to combat the flow of “conflict” diamonds into the trade, was held in person and online from Nov. 8-12 in Moscow.
Moscow—A hybrid version of the Kimberley Process plenary meeting wrapped up last week, setting the stage for two African nations to helm the process in 2022.

The meeting, held in Moscow Nov. 8-12, ended—again—with KP participants failing to pass a measure that would expand the definition of what constitutes a “conflict” diamond.

The issue of expanding the definition of conflict to include human rights abuses—not just diamonds used by rebel groups to fund the overthrow of legitimate governments—stretches back to 2012, when the United States chaired the process.

Ahead of the plenary each year, both the World Diamond Council and the Kimberley Process’ Civil Society Coalition speak out about the importance of expanding a definition that is now two decades old. (The KP started in 2000, and the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme officially launched in 2002.)

And each year, an expanded definition fails to garner the full consensus needed to pass, leading JCK News Director Rob Bates to describe the proposal as “perpetually stalled” in an editorial published following this year’s plenary.

The WDC, meanwhile, said in its post-plenary statement it “would have preferred that the KP make a concrete decision about the expansion of the conflict diamond definition” this year, while the KPCSC was blunter in addressing what it views as an ongoing failure.

“We are getting used to being disappointed about the lack of progress in the seemingly endless discussions on updating the KP’s conflict diamond definition. We now know everybody’s arguments and excuses by heart,” the KPCSC said in a statement circulated online only, as there was no time for civil society and industry observers to deliver their standard closing remarks this year. 

“This was another [situation in which] discussions had to be stopped prematurely because those opposing dialogue refused to move an inch. This offers little hope about any future efforts to make the KP catch up with reality, for which the conflict diamond definition is only one of the many
weaknesses that require serious reform.”

One point of progress cited by both WDC and the KPCSC was the Declaration on Supporting Principles for Responsible Diamond Sourcing, with the KPCSC stating it is “hopeful” Botswana’s leadership of the KP next year will help the process “turn these words into action.” 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Other points of note to emerge from the 2021 KP plenary meeting include the following.
—The KP is considering sending a review mission to the Central African Republic in 2022, a nation that remains a point of concern due to ongoing violence and smuggling.

—Three new countries—Mozambique, Qatar, and the Kyrgyz Republic, a nation in Central Asia—were admitted as members.

— A fourth country, the Republic of Uzbekistan, has expressed interest in joining the process.

—In its opening and closing remarks, the KPCSC called on authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola to do what they can to mitigate the human and environmental toll caused by the pollution of the Congo River Basin. It is believed a leak in the tailings dam of the Catoca diamond mine in Angola is what caused the pollution, turning two of the river’s tributaries red, killing fish, and affecting millions of people.

— In his closing remarks, WDC President Edward Asscher paid tribute to Pamela Fierst Walsh, the longtime head of the American delegation to the KP and senior advisor on conflict minerals at the U.S. State Department. Walsh is leaving to take a job in the private sector. “This is a great loss to all of us here, but a win for her next position,” Asscher said. 

Russia chaired the Kimberley Process in 2021, with Botswana serving as vice chair.

In 2022, Botswana will step up to the role of chair nation, with Zimbabwe serving as vice chair. 

The Latest

GIA iD100® Technology
Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Madison Keys in Brilliant Earth campaign
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Brilliant Earth Names Tennis Star Madison Keys as Its New Ambassador

The 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.

Muse Nordstrom shop-in-shop
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Muse Sets Up Shop in Nordstrom’s New Jewelry Hall

The West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Shree Ramkrishna Exports
SourcingJul 03, 2025
SRK Announces Its Natural Diamonds Are Now Carbon-Negative

This past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.

Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Yeprem Golden Strada Statement Necklace
CollectionsJul 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Firework of Diamonds From Yeprem

The brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeJul 03, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in Burglaries

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Exterior and entryway of Boucheron’s Los Angeles Flagship
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast Flagship

Located on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.

Exterior of Marco Bicego Milan Flagship
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan Flagship

The new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.

Chrono24 Time Is Our Thing campaign image
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New Campaign

The online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.

Bernadette Mack
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive Director

She will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.

Counterfeit Pandora jewelry in bags and boxes
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry Network

Working with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.

Cast Issa Rae
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for Relaunch

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

Eve Goldberg, Matthew Denatale, Willie Lopez, Benjamin Goldberg
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship Program

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

Elie Hannoush
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

Claire’s store
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report Says

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Mindi Mond Spike Earrings
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot Rubies

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

The Story of Everything Campaign, Toadstool Mushroom and Cosmic Egg
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

Smart Age Solutions CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry Sales

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

Morgan Keefe
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education Scholarship

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

The Jewelry Book
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

Gemist
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech Platform

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Jeff Preolo, David Stout, Levi Higgs, David Benavides
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, Promotions

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

Blake Graham and Jessica Kohoutek
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

Buddha Mama Monstera Ring
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap Ring

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Cashier handing Rocksbox bag to customer
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers Downsizes

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy