A Look at Conflict-Free Diamonds and the Kimberley Process

80 countries have banded together in creating a “blood diamond” free market within their respective borders.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme

With global organizations beginning to notice that civil wars were being funded across Africa at the cost of blood diamonds, people around the world called for an end to the trade of these specific stones. Adopted in 2000 and named after the South African town of Kimberley, the plan has three steps to stop the trade of blood diamonds. The KPCS was approved by the UN Security Council in 2003 and has since had their continual support.

The Three Steps

  • KPCS member countries should ensure no diamonds mined inside the borders finance overthrowing a UN member country.
  • All exported diamonds should have an authorized Kimberley Certificate.
  • Diamonds move only to and from countries that follow the Kimberley Process.
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