(Rapaport…January 29, 2003) Global Witness released a statement on January 28, 2003 in response to the United Nations Security Council’s resolution endorsing the Kimberley Process.
The Security Council’s resolution recognizes the Kimberley Process as a meaningful step taken against trade in “conflict diamonds,” urges global participation and welcomes the self-regulation of the diamond industry.
According to Global Witness Campaigner, Corinna Gilfillan, “The draft resolution sends a strong message to the international community about the importance of the Kimberley Process in eliminating conflict diamonds.”
Despite Gilfillan’s support of the resolution, she expresses concerns about weaknesses in the Kimberley Process: “Several countries, including the United States, have still not passed laws and regulations needed to establish national diamond export/import control regimes.”
Gilfillan also explains that loopholes exist, such as the lack of a regular, independent monitoring system within the Kimberley Process. Such a system is essential to the effectiveness of national diamond control systems.
Global Witness strongly urges governments to meet the new “crucial” deadline “by putting though national laws and regulations in place no later February 1.”