- Kimberley Process is joint initiative of governments, industry and civil societies to stem flow of ‘conflict diamonds’, rough diamonds used by rebel groups to finance wars against legitimate governments.
- It is also described in United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
- India is one of the founding members of KPCS.
- At present, KPCS has 54 members representing 81 countries including EU with 28 members.
- The KPCS came into effect from 1 January, 2003 through a United Nations General Assembly Resolution.
- It outlines the rules that govern trade in rough diamonds.
- It has evolved into effective mechanism for stopping trade in conflict diamonds.
- It sets minimum requirements that each participant must meet.
- In India, the scheme is administered through Department of Commerce under aegis of the Union Commerce and Industry Ministry.
- Why in news? India was selected as Chair of Ad Hoc Committee on Review & Reforms to look into various issues pertaining to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPSC).
What are Conflict Diamonds?
Conflict diamonds or blood diamonds are the rough diamonds used by rebel movements in the third world countries especially in Africa to finance (civil) wars with an aim to topple legitimate governments. The KPCS completely bans import and export of rough diamonds without certification.