This criticism follows a similar statement by the European Union, which questioned remarks by Kimberley Process chair Ahmed bin Sulayem.
In his closing speech, the KP chair suggested that European proposals for addressing the impact of Russian diamonds on the conflict in Ukraine undermined the sovereignty of African nations. In a column published by Rapaport News on 26 November, bin Sulayem expanded upon this matter.
In a statement published on 22 November, the US highlighted the Kimberley Process’s failure to examine the role Russia’s diamond production plays in funding Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“Despite the KP’s mandate to address how the trade in rough diamonds fuels conflict, Russia and a small number of other KP participants objected to the request,” the statement said.
“For the second year in a row, Russia also refused to support a public communique that acknowledged Ukraine’s request.”
The statement also addressed the reinstatement of the Central African Republic (CAR) as a full member of the Kimberley Process after an 11-year hiatus.
“This advances our shared priority of ensuring the people of CAR are able to economically benefit from their natural resources in a way that does not undercut the country’s peace,” it said.
“The United States calls upon all KP participants and observers, including industry and civil society who advocated for the lifting of restrictions, to implement enhanced vigilance, necessary to ensure the responsible resumption of exports.”
The plenary took place in Dubai from 12-15 November. Following a bitter deadlock in 2023, the World Diamond Council president called on the broader industry to contribute to the redefinition of ‘conflict diamonds’.
A statement from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office published on 21 November echoed this sentiment.
“The KP has achieved much since its inception and for progress to continue it must embrace a renewed commitment to delivering on the mandate given by the United Nations General Assembly to expand the definition of “conflict diamonds”,” the statement reads.
The UK also urged the CAR to comply with its obligations to the KP fully.
More reading
War of words: European Union, Kimberley Process trade blows
Conflict diamonds: Debate over definition rages on
Welcome back: Kimberley Process membership expands
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Under fire: Asking more of the Kimberley Process
Conflict diamonds: Chaos at Kimberley Process meeting
Russia accuses Western powers of compromising Kimberley Process