No UN Diamond Accord

United Nations General Assembly members have expressed concern over the body’s failure to reach a consensus on the influence of the diamond trade on conflict.

Speaking before the adoption of a resolution on the role of diamonds in fueling conflict, European Union representative Clayton Curran marked that it was the first time in its history, that the plenary failed to do so.

The resolution acknowledged the importance of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KCPS) in ensuring the effective implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions related to sanctions on the trade of conflict diamonds.  The KCPS is a joint-government, internationally recognized certification system that imposes extensive requirements on its members to enable them to certify shipments of rough diamonds as ‘conflict-free’. The system is also designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering legitimate trade.

“With a mandate deeply rooted in the full respect for state sovereignty, this resolution reminds us of the obligations placed upon states by the charter of the United Nations regarding the maintenance of international peace and security, and that state sovereignty should be fully respected,” Curran said.

Tanzanian Ambassador Hussein Athuman Kattanga backed up Curran’s remarks, saying the resolution addresses the insecurity fuelled by conflict diamonds. Both agree the Kimberley Process faces unprecedented challenges arising from ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts.

“We are convinced that the relevant resolution is a necessary measure the promoting states’ sovereignty, poverty eradication, conflict prevention, and elimination of conflict demand from a legitimate trade, which is the primary objective of the Kimberley Process,” said Kattanga. 

The European Union, (EU) in a statement supporting the Assembly’s resolution, said it is also committed to ensuring the Kimberley Process continues to fulfill its mandate.