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What is the Kimberley Process?

The Kimberley Process (KP) is a commitment to remove conflict diamonds from the global supply chain. Today, participants actively prevent 99.8% of the worldwide trade.

Conflict-free diamonds,
global trust

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Defining conflict diamonds

Conflict diamonds qualifies the rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance armed conflicts aimed at undermining legitimate governments.

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Kimberley Process: United in eradicating conflict diamonds

The Kimberley Process (KP) unites governments, industry, and civil society to eradicate the global trade of conflict diamonds. By enforcing rigorous certification protocols and compliance assessments, the KP ensures that all participating countries maintain high standards that keep conflict diamonds out of the international market. 

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is the mechanism the KP uses to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. Launched in 2003, it is enforced individually by KP Participant countries to ensure that rough diamonds in the legitimate supply chain are KP-compliant. 

Participants in the KPCS must comply with the following fundamental requirements:

The Kimberley Process organisational framework

The Members

The KP brings together diverse groups representing key stakeholders across the diamond industry, fostering a uniquely collaborative environment through its tripartite structure.

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Participants

Countries that have fully committed to the KP standards and actively prevent the trade of conflict diamonds.
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Observers

Industry and civil society groups that play a pivotal role in monitoring the effectiveness of the KP, offering insights and support to strengthen the certification scheme.

KP governance

The Kimberley Process (KP) operates under a comprehensive governance structure, with various roles designed to uphold and enforce its standards
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Chair

Lead and coordinate the KP, ensuring effective implementation and preparation for leadership succession.

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The KP Subsidiary Bodies & Working Groups

Develop and oversee initiatives that support and enhance the KPCS, addressing challenges and promoting ethical practices within the industry.

How to join the KP?

The Kimberley Process is an international forum of negotiations that welcomes new countries that are interested to join this endeavour.

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Candidates

Nations aspiring to join the KP, working towards fulfilling the necessary criteria to become full participants.

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How to join?

Learn the steps required to become a candidate for Kimberley Process membership.

History of the Kimberley Process

The Kimberley Process started when Southern African diamond-producing states met in Kimberley, South Africa, in May 2000, to discuss ways to stop the trade in ‘conflict diamonds’ and ensure that diamond purchases were not financing violence by rebel movements and their allies seeking to undermine legitimate governments.

The Kimberley Process FAQS

For quick answers to your questions about the Kimberley Process, visit our FAQ page.

Latest updates from Kimberley Process

15 November

UAE Concludes Kimberley Process Plenary in Dubai, Achieves Major Outcomes In ‘Year Of Delivery’

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6 November

KPCS and WDC

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6 November

Response of the World Diamond Council to the Amnesty International Report "Chains of abuse"