Q:  Diamond or Gold – all the precious metal mining is controlled by a cartel. Unless they have the will and determination to remove the tag, how do you expect it to be removed? The buyers have no idea whether they are buying a conflict diamond even with a certificate? Rejecting diamonds altogether is not a practical approach.

A: The Kimberley Process is a first step in preventing the trade in conflict diamonds and curbing the illicit trade in rough diamonds, but it is not yet an effective mechanism. Participants in the KP- producing, trading and manufacturing countries- must strengthen domestic controls over the diamond industry, step up enforcement measures, and meaningfully address loopholes in the certification scheme. Both governments and the legitimate diamond industry hold responsibility for this.


Q: How effective was or is your ‘Combating Conflict Diamonds’ campaign?

A: The Kimberley Process was negotiated and launched as a result of our conflict diamond campaign, and over the years some parts of the diamond industry have changed the way they do business and become a bit more transparent. We continue to campaign to strengthen the Kimberley Process, lobby the industry to take seriously their promise to source diamonds responsibly, and to address the significant illicit trade and mismanagement of diamond resources.

Q: You have issued a guide about the questions consumers need to ask jewellery retailers to ensure the diamonds they buy are conflict-free?

Consumers have a right to know that the diamonds they buy are not funding conflict or human rights abuses elsewhere in the world. Unfortunately, the chain of custody is not yet tight enough for consumers to be sure they are buying conflict-free diamonds, but at least they can ask their retailer questions to ascertain whether the company has a responsible sourcing policy. Many retail companies adhere to the industry’s voluntary standards, the System of Warranties, but this system is meaningless unless it is backed up by independent auditing. Few retailers go beyond the minimum standards and put in place a truly responsible sourcing practice. Consumers can put pressure on the industry by asking questions and favouring retailers who do take the problem seriously.

Q: What is the best and effective way of combating this problem and where do you see it begins?

A: There are many ways to address the problem of conflict diamonds and to strengthen the Kimberley Process’ effectiveness. As mentioned above, enforcement efforts must be made all along the chain - from the producing areas to the trading and manufacturing centres.

Even if the sight holders and trading companies regulate themselves, there are a large number of unregulated explorations especially alluvial which primarily goes to fund rebel activities. How on earth can anyone stop this?

The diamond industry is involved at every level of the process- from mine to retail- and holds responsibility as a whole to ensure that conflict diamonds are not traded.