Kimberley Process Faces Crucial Vote as WDC Calls for Expanded Conflict Diamond Definition in 2025
World Diamond Council (WDC) president Feriel Zerouki opened the 2025 Kimberley Process (KP) plenary with a strong appeal for member states to endorse a modernised and expanded definition of conflict diamonds, marking a potentially historic shift for the global certification scheme.
Zerouki emphasised that the proposal is the result of three years of drafting, negotiation and consensus-building led jointly by the WDC, the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) and the Civil Society Coalition (CSC).
A Broader Definition for Today’s Risks
The proposed update seeks to widen the KP’s mandate beyond its current focus on rough diamonds used by rebel groups to finance civil wars. The new definition would also include diamonds linked to:
serious human rights abuses
systemic violence by State or private security forces
forced and child labour
corruption and extortion
armed groups or individuals operating under UN sanctions
The goal is to align the KP with modern human rights norms, strengthen oversight across the diamond supply chain and enhance global consumer confidence through responsible sourcing.
A Sharp Warning Against Blocking Reform
In her address, Zerouki issued a pointed critique of any KP participants considering a veto at this late stage.
“Anyone who chooses to veto is making three clear statements,” she said.
“First, they claim conflict only exists when rebels threaten a legitimate government — a notion we all know is untrue.
Second, they turn their backs on vulnerable diamond-producing communities who need protection.
Third, they want the KP to stall by imposing impossible demands that go far beyond the authority of the KP or any UN instrument. These actions do not defend progress — they obstruct it.”
A Defining Moment for the Kimberley Process
The 2025 plenary is taking place in Dubai, UAE, from November 17–22, under the UAE’s chairmanship for the current cycle.
The gathering includes representatives from 86 governments, the WDC, the CSC, the ADPA, and various observers and technical experts.
Throughout the week, delegates will evaluate working-group reports, negotiate the proposed definition expansion and review governance, monitoring and compliance measures that underpin the integrity of the global rough diamond trade.
Africa’s Position: “The Human Cost of Delay Is Too High”
Zerouki highlighted that the expanded definition would enhance protection for 1.5 million artisanal diamond miners and enable the KP to intervene in situations where communities face exploitation and violence.
“It is clear that Africa wants an expanded definition,” she said.
“All African diamond-producing countries support the draft. Africa sees the human cost of delay more sharply than anyone else. We are at the line — let us have the courage and unity to cross it.”
