For Immediate Release
5 May 2025
KP CSC statement ahead of the Kimberley Process Intersessional meeting in Dubai | 12-16 May
For over two decades, the global diamond industry has leaned on the Kimberley Process (KP) as proof of responsible sourcing. Originally established in 2003 to prevent the trade of diamonds that fuel civil wars, the KP was a crucial first step. But in 2025, it is clear: A KP that is unable to reform is part of the problem, rather than the solution for diamond mining-affected communities.
The KP Civil Society Coalition (KP CSC), civil society observer to the KP, constantly reports—most recently in its documentary Beyond Shining Illusions—that too many diamonds remain today tainted by violence, human rights abuses, and environmental harm. The KP did far from complete the work – and a renewed, collective effort is urgently needed.
What the KP is
The KP is a state-led international initiative designed to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. It certifies rough diamonds as “conflict-free” based on internal controls required from member states. These controls—along with the trade statistics submitted for both artisanal and large-scale production—are subject to peer review. Although industry and civil society have no voting rights, they are observers to the KP, enabling a tripartite dialogue.
And what the KP is not
Despite industry claims that 99% of diamonds are now conflict-free, the KP offers no ethical guarantees. Its narrow definition of “conflict diamonds” only covers those financing rebel groups, excluding grave concerns such as forced displacement of communities, violence by public and private security forces, corruption or environmental degradation.
Moreover, the KP does not trace a diamond’s journey from the mine to the jewelry store. It only certifies rough diamonds and does not regulate mixing practices that allow stones from multiple origins to be bundled into parcels labeled as ‘mixed origin’, effectively erasing traceability. A recent agreement to allow trading countries to optionally list countries of origin on KP certificates—without requiring evidence or controls—does little to change this. As a result, consumers are misled into believing their diamonds are responsibly sourced – when in reality, the KP does not prevent many of the abuses they wish to avoid.
A system in crisis
Criticisms of the KP’s narrow scope and limitations are far from new. The KP has been subject to multiple reform efforts over the years but its consensus-based decision-making process has too often been exploited to block progress. The result: a stagnant system that fails to respond to the needs of diamond mining communities but spends its resources on keeping up appearances towards consumers.
What must change
Civil society calls on states and the industry to acknowledge these persistent challenges and act boldly.
Reform priorities include:
- Transparency: Make confidentiality the exception, not the rule. Openness is key for monitoring, accountability and public trust.
- Honest acknowledgement: recognize persistent harms in both artisanal and large-scale mining sectors as a first step toward meaningful change.
- The redefinition of conflict diamonds: Address all forms of violence associated with diamonds – regardless of the perpetrator.
- Stringent global oversight: Peer reviews should not be token gestures or acts of goodwill. The KP needs robust, independent oversight to prevent loopholes, smuggling, and fraud from eroding the integrity of KP certificates.
- Meaningful exchanges on what truly matters: Refrain from isolation but integrate lessons from other due diligence and traceability initiatives. Foster mutual learning among KP members and with other international initiatives, and promote national-level tripartite dialogues.
Rather than driving progress, the KP today often serves as a shield, taking away pressure from the industry and states to do better.
2025 marks the final year of the current KP reform cycle. This is another pivotal moment. If the KP fails to reform, alternative initiatives must be developed urgently to ensure a truly responsible diamond supply chain – ones that genuinely work for the benefit of mining-affected communities.
It is time for KP discussions to become more meaningful – rooted in evidence, open to learning, and committed to justice for communities affected by diamond mining. It is time for impactful reform.
For more information, please contact:
info@kpcivilsociety.org
