WDC’s Statement on Kimberley Process Agreement
WORLD DIAMOND COUNCIL
GABORONE, BOTSWANA
NOVEMBER 29, 2001
The World Diamond Council (WDC), representing the international diamond and jewelry industry, welcomes the success of the Kimberley Process in reaching consensus on recommendations to the United Nations General Assembly for measures to eliminate the trade in conflict diamonds.
This intergovernmental process, involving more than thirty nations, the WDC and civil society, will implement a system of certificates for rough diamonds, supported by industry self-regulation, that will assure consumers the diamonds they buy are conflict free.
On the same day that the Kimberley Process achieved its goals, the House of Representatives of the U.S. Congress passed the Clean Diamonds Trade Act, initiated by Congressman Tony Hall and others, by an overwhelming majority (408-6). The WDC fully supports this legislation, and is delighted that the Act and the Kimberley Process, in both of which the diamond industry was actively involved, have come together on the same day.
The WDC acknowledges the invaluable contribution of the international community – governments and non-governmental organizations – in this initiative to protect the legitimate diamond industry and the integrity of its product. The WDC has offered its technical expertise and assistance to participating governments.
The diamond industry thanks the South African government, and in particular Mr. Abbey Chikane, for their Chairmanship of the Kimberley Process and the Botswana government for their generous hospitality in Gaborone.