Context
India has been selected as the Chair of the Kimberley Process (KP) for the year 2026 by the KP Plenary. This marks the third time India will assume the Chairmanship, reflecting global trust in its commitment to transparency in the diamond trade.
What is the Kimberley Process?
- Nature: A tripartite initiative bringing together Governments, the International Diamond Industry, and Civil Society.
- Mandate: To prevent the entry of “conflict diamonds” into the mainstream rough diamond market.
- Definition: “Conflict diamonds” are rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance wars aimed at undermining legitimate governments (as defined by UN Security Council resolutions).
- Membership: Comprises 60 participants representing 86 countries (the European Union counts as a single participant).
How is the Process Governed?
- Rotation Policy: The governance follows a rotation system where the Vice-Chair of the current year becomes the Chair in the subsequent year.
- Selection: Both the Chair and Vice-Chair are appointed through Plenary consensus.
What is the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS)?
- Launch: Operational since 2003.
- Mechanism: It imposes extensive requirements on its members to certify shipments of rough diamonds as ‘conflict-free’ and prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate trade.
- Compliance: Member states must enforce these requirements through national legislation.
What is India’s Administrative Framework for KPCS?
- Nodal Department: Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Implementing Authority:Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
- It acts as the designated Importing and Exporting Authority in India.
- It is responsible for issuing KP Certificates and serving as the custodian of certificates received.
Q. With respect to the membership and scope of the Kimberley Process, consider the following statements:
1. The European Union is counted as a single participant representing all its member states.
2. The primary objective is to prevent the trade of rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments.
3. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is legally binding on all member countries under international law.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: The KP has 60 participants representing 86 countries, with the European Union counting as one participant.
Statement 2 is correct: The mandate specifically targets "conflict diamonds" used by rebel groups to undermine legitimate governments.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The KP is a political agreement and certification scheme; it is not an international treaty and is not legally binding under international law, though members implement it through national legislation.
