The United Kingdom thanks the United Arab Emirates for bringing this important proposed resolution forward,
The United Kingdom is a proud founding member of the Kimberley Process, and we are committed to its values and principles of accountability, transparency and collaboration.
As a tripartite body, we value the Civil Society Coalition, African Diamond Producers’ Association and World Diamond Council’s roles in the Kimberley Process because they all bring expertise that strengthens the body.
The Civil Society Coalition elevates the voices of marginalised people, including in the extractives industry, and it is crucial for the Coalition’s voice to be engaged in the Kimberley Process’ decision making.
Colleagues, the current definition of conflict diamonds is solely focused on rebel movements using revenue from rough diamonds to overthrow legitimate governments.
This is not enough.
Although the Kimberley Process has succeeded in many areas – we regret that to date, the Kimberley Process has not reached consensus in agreeing a broadened definition of conflict diamonds despite in 2012 agreeing that there is urgent need to agree a definition that captures the evolving nature of conflicts and realities on the ground.
We reiterate the need for members of the Kimberley Process to work collaboratively and are pleased that it is in that spirit the resolution reiterates the pressing need for the Ad-Hoc Committee on Review and Reform to achieve consensus on a broadened definition of conflict diamonds.
We look forward to continuing this dialogue.
