Scheme to End the Trade in Conflict Diamonds

Scheme to End the Trade in Conflict Diamonds - Regular Monitoring Not Agreed

Although progress was made within the Kimberley Process towards universal monitoring of the rough diamond trade, there are still no provisions for regular, impartial monitoring of all participants.

Top of the agenda at this week's meeting in Sun City was the critical issue of monitoring. NGOs, along with several countries and the World Diamond Council proposed a system of regular monitoring that could have covered all participating countries within 4 years.

"We are very disappointed that this was not adopted. However, we recognize that the Plenary's endorsement of a system in which countries could volunteer for review is a significant step forward, said a number of NGOs in a joint statement.

NGOs are encouraged that a number of countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville), volunteered for a monitoring review mission.

A system wide approach to monitoring and review is essential to the effectiveness and credibility of the Kimberley Process Certification System, for ending the trade in conflict diamonds and ensuring consumer confidence.

Amnesty International ActionAid UK CENADEP Fatal Transactions/Netherlands institute for Southern Africa Global Witness Partnership Africa Canada World Vision

Further information on Economic globalization and human rights: http://amnesty-news.c.tep1.com/maabCeIaa1Lmtbb0hPub/

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