| You know very well the significance of a diamond in a relationship. This beautiful shiny gemstone reflects the purity of your love, the highest stage of your sentiments, a bond that will last for the eternity. Ok now, stop, look, listen! We don’t intend to ruin your happiness, but we’re convinced that your love will shine even more if you learn something about the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS).
The KPCS was introduced in 2003 by the United Nations resolution 55/56. The main aim is to certify the origin of diamonds and prevent the latter to be a source of funding for wars and human right abuses.
It was during the cruel conflict in Sierra Leone (1990s) that the so-called ‘blood’ diamonds captured the attention of international media and non-governmental organizations such as Global Witness and Amnesty International. This in turn stimulated the UN debate on the necessity of providing a global framework for the issue. Blood diamonds have to be banned from the legitimate diamond supply chain.
The three-step mechanism is very easy. A country must ensure that any diamond originating in its territory does not fund armies seeking to overthrow a government legitimized by the UN. Second, exports and imports must be accompanied by a KPCS certificate. Finally – and obviously – imports and exports must take place among countries taking part at the Kimberley scheme.
Although the KPCS is an important step to dealing with blood diamonds, but unfortunately the diamond trade is still not subject to mandatory monitoring. Hence, it is not guaranteed that all conflict diamonds can be identified and removed from the market. In fact, KPCS is a scheme based on the so-called soft law. In contrast to hard law, soft laws are only ‘quasi-legal’ instruments that do not present legally binding force. As a result, the KPCS does not legally bind the countries that take part at the agreement. If a country violates the terms, there will not be any legal consequences.
Today there are more than 40 participants in the KPCS. The list includes the main rough diamond producers, exporting and importing countries. Moreover, the World Trade Organization has approved a waiver for the KPCS. Overall, it is important to recognize the evidence that the process has developed a coalition of civil society groups in support of the cause.
Is it enough to convince you of the importance of the KPCS? Do not forget to make sure your diamond will be certificated.
The author has been working in bespoke jewellery, bespoke engagement rings and conflict free diamonds for a very long time.
bespoke jewellery, ethical jewellery, bespoke engagement rings
The author has been working in bespoke engagement rings, bespoke jewellery and ethical jewellery for a very long time.
http://www.ingleandrhode.co.uk/
bespoke jewellery
bespoke engagement rings
ethical jewellery
conflict free diamonds |
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