Kimberley Process Begins Two-Year Review

RAPAPORT... The Kimberley Process (KP) has entered a two-year review of itsoperations, enabling the organization to evaluate current needs and improve theway it tackles issues. The European Union, the KP's chair for 2018 under theleadership of Hilde Hardeman, is overseeing the assessment, the World DiamondCouncil (WDC) said in a statement last week. "The threat of instability and conflict remains, and ourwork is not over," said St?(C)phane Fischler, president of the WDC, whichrepresents the diamond industry at the KP. "This important KP review periodgives us the opportunity to address contemporary challenges facing the diamondindustry, and implement reforms to protect the human rights, freedoms anddevelopment of people who depend on the diamond trade." As the review began, Fischler participated in a panel discussionabout the KP at a UN General Assembly sideevent last week. The discussion covered strategies to advance the KP's contributions to peace, security andsustainable development in diamond-mining communities. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme works toensure no conflict diamonds enter the industry's global supply chain. Thereview will end during India's chairmanship in 2019.