Ensuring Equality and Transparency: The Kimberley Process Chair’s Proposal for Independent NGO Funding

The global diamond industry operates under intense scrutiny, with a collective commitment to eradicate the trade in conflict diamonds. Central to this mission is the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), a multi-stakeholder initiative that brings together governments, industry, and civil society. In a significant move to bolster the integrity and fairness of the KPCS, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, serving as the KP Chair, put forward a groundbreaking proposal for “fair, independent funding” for the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that form an integral part of this crucial scheme.

This visionary proposal, initially articulated in a letter to the members of the Civil Society Coalition (CSC) on October 25, 2016, aimed to level the playing field. The KP Chair highlighted the disparity in resources between well-funded industry bodies and often resource-constrained NGOs. His plan involved leading the creation of a dedicated Fund, specifically designed to empower NGOs to “participate on equal terms” in all essential KPCS activities, including rigorous Review Visits, critical Missions, and vital Intersessional and Plenary Meetings, where they serve as indispensable Observers.

The Indispensable Role of Civil Society in the Kimberley Process

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme was established to prevent “blood diamonds” – rough diamonds used to finance wars against legitimate governments – from entering the mainstream diamond market. Its success hinges not just on government regulations and industry compliance, but critically, on the active and independent participation of civil society organizations. NGOs have consistently been at the vanguard of the battle against conflict diamonds, providing invaluable on-the-ground intelligence, advocating for stronger standards, and acting as independent monitors.

These organizations contribute a unique and often unparalleled perspective, identifying potential loopholes, exposing non-compliance, and pushing for continuous improvements within the scheme. Their presence ensures accountability and transparency, acting as a vital check and balance within the multi-stakeholder framework. Without the vigilant oversight and informed contributions of civil society, the KPCS would struggle to maintain its credibility and effectiveness in preventing the trade in illicit diamonds and promoting responsible sourcing practices across the diamond supply chain.

Addressing the Imbalance: The Need for Equitable Participation

Despite their critical role, NGOs often face significant financial hurdles that impede their ability to fully engage in KPCS activities. As Bin Sulayem acutely observed, “While NGOs have been at the forefront in the successful combat against blood diamonds, trade bodies – who have significant resources – typically do not contribute to the NGOs’ participation in review visits, missions or KP meetings.” This imbalance creates a structural disadvantage, limiting civil society’s reach and impact.

The KP Chair emphasized that this situation was neither fair nor an effective way to leverage Civil Society’s “unique perspective and potential.” The lack of financial support can mean that NGOs are unable to send representatives to crucial meetings, conduct essential field research, or participate in review visits where their independent assessments are most needed. This not only undermines the principle of equal partnership but also compromises the overall robustness and reliability of the Kimberley Process itself. A scheme designed to ensure ethical practices must, by its very nature, foster equitable participation among all its key stakeholders.

The Cornerstone of the Proposal: Fair and Independent Funding Mechanism

To rectify this long-standing imbalance, Ahmed Bin Sulayem’s proposal laid out a clear and actionable funding mechanism. The core principle was simple yet profound: if the diamond industry participates in a Kimberley Process activity, it should concurrently contribute to the participation of a civil society member. “Our position is that this is not fair, nor an effective way of harnessing Civil Society’s unique perspective and potential,” Bin Sulayem stated. “If Industry participates in a Kimberley Process activity, our proposal stipulates that it should also pay for a member of Civil Society to participate. And this should be equally distributed, discussed and decided amongst all individual members of Civil Society.”

This mechanism was designed to ensure that funding is not merely provided, but provided in a manner that guarantees the full independence of civil society. The proposed Fund would be organized with stringent safeguards to prevent any undue influence from industry stakeholders or even individual civil society members. The decision-making process regarding who precisely would participate in specific Review Visits, Missions, Intersessional Meetings, or Plenaries would rest entirely with civil society itself, ensuring that their voice remains uncompromised and their actions driven solely by their mandate to promote ethical practices and human rights.

Anticipated Approval and Global Adoption

The KP Chair had an optimistic outlook regarding his proposal’s acceptance. He anticipated a favorable decision, expecting it to be included in the Final Communique at the upcoming KP Plenary, scheduled to be held in Dubai from November 13-17, 2016. Furthermore, should the proposal receive the endorsement of the KP Plenary, it was expected to be adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by the end of that year. This level of international recognition would underscore the significance of the initiative and solidify its place as a crucial enhancement to the Kimberley Process.

The Proposed Communique Statement: A New Era of Partnership

The statement proposed for inclusion in the communique clearly articulated the envisioned future of the KPCS: “Civil Society and Industry are two equal partners and Observers in the Kimberley Process.” This declaration serves as a foundational principle, reaffirming the shared responsibility and equal standing of these critical stakeholders. To concretize this equality and independence, and to ensure Civil Society a greater, more meaningful share in the KP decision-making process, the communique outlined a clear financial commitment.

“From 17 November 2016 onwards,” the statement read, “each member of the diamond industry participating in a Review Visit/Mission or Meeting of the KP Intersession and Plenary will contribute matching funds for the participation of a member of Civil Society.” This “matching funds” approach created a direct link between industry engagement and civil society support, fostering a symbiotic relationship rather than a dependency. Critically, the communique further stipulated that “The distributing Fund will be organised in a way to guarantee full independence of Civil Society, in the decision as to who exactly will participate in the respective Review Visit, Mission, Intersessional Meeting or Plenary, and will preclude any undue control by Industry or any individual member of Civil Society.” This unwavering commitment to independence was designed to preserve the impartiality and effectiveness of civil society’s contributions.

The Broader Impact: Strengthening the Kimberley Process and Ethical Sourcing

The adoption of such a proposal carried far-reaching implications for the Kimberley Process and the broader diamond industry. By ensuring robust, independent funding for NGOs, the KPCS would gain enhanced legitimacy and credibility on the global stage. Increased civil society participation would lead to more comprehensive oversight, more accurate reporting from the field, and a stronger collective effort to prevent conflict diamonds from infiltrating the legitimate supply chain. This move would signify a deeper commitment to the multi-stakeholder model, fostering an environment of trust and shared responsibility among governments, industry, and civil society.

Ultimately, this initiative was about strengthening the very foundations of ethical diamond sourcing. It underscored the understanding that true transparency and accountability require the active engagement of all parties, particularly those whose independent perspectives are vital for continuous improvement. By empowering civil society, the Kimberley Process would reinforce its mission to ensure that diamonds continue to be a source of prosperity and development, rather than conflict and exploitation.

Conclusion: A Step Towards a More Equitable and Transparent Diamond Industry

Ahmed Bin Sulayem’s proposal for the fair and independent funding of NGOs within the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme represented a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to ensure a responsible and ethical diamond trade. It was a direct response to the recognized need for greater equality among stakeholders and a clear affirmation of the indispensable role played by civil society in upholding the integrity of the KPCS. By creating a mechanism for industry to contribute matching funds while strictly safeguarding civil society’s independence, the proposal aimed to foster a more balanced and effective multi-stakeholder partnership. This visionary initiative was designed not only to strengthen the Kimberley Process itself but also to reinforce the global commitment to eradicating conflict diamonds and promoting transparency and accountability across the entire diamond supply chain, ensuring that every diamond tells a story of ethical sourcing.

Original News Source: gjepc.org