European Union to head Kimberley Process on conflict diamonds in 2018

EU News 372/2016

Brussels, 18 November 2016

The Kimberley Process, the international initiative to stem the trade in conflict diamonds, has appointed the European Union as its Chair for 2018. Consistent with Kimberley Process rules, the EU will serve as Vice-Chair in 2017, during the Australian Chairmanship.

The European Union will have a unique opportunity to strengthen the effectiveness of the Kimberley Process as its Chair, in particular in the context of the upcoming reform process. During its Chairmanship, the EU will reinforce and promote an open dialogue among the three pillars that make up the Kimberley Process - Governments, industry and civil society.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was launched in 2002 by a unique coalition of governments, civil society and the diamond industry in response to the role of diamonds in funding some of the most devastating civil wars in Africa.

Source and additional information:
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-16-3823_en.htm

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