If the KP is to remain relevant it will need to recommit to its core ambitions of being a conflict-prevention tool and a means by which governments and diamond-mining communities can realize the economic promise of diamonds.
But by refusing to discuss, never mind address these ever-present issues, the KP only shrinks its orbit of influence. This does a great disservice to all involved, whether it be the artisanal miner looking for greater economic benefit from diamonds, or industry members in Western countries like Canada who rely upon the Kimberley Process for ethical assurances demanded by their customers.
Alan Martin is director of research of Partnership Africa Canada (PAC), a global leader in developing innovative approaches to strengthen natural resource governance in conflict and high-risk regions. PAC was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 for its work to end the trade of conflict diamonds. Martin can be reached at amartin@pacweb.org.
