The Impact of the Kimberly Process

The discovery of diamonds in Africa eventually led to the use of those particular diamonds to fund certain activities that were deemed cruel and it was anticipated that a governing body would need to be created to assure that these diamonds did not infiltrate the diamond market. It was essential that these diamonds, called "blood diamonds" or "conflict diamonds," not be sold in any countries so that the militant groups, who would normally benefit from these diamonds, did not. The process that is now put in place to assure that all diamonds sold is called the Kimberly Process.

 

This process assures that all diamonds that are imported or exported are sealed in containers and their origins are known as legitimate. The diamonds also include a certificate that assures that the particular diamond is conflict-free. This process has allowed true conflict-free diamonds to be sold in many countries around the world without worry. The Kimberly Process also only allows diamonds to be imported or exported to other countries who also participate in the Kimberly Process so that no conflict diamonds enter or exit these countries. Eventually this process will discourage the sale of conflict-free diamonds, thus making it that much harder for the people who perpetrate the violence in Africa to secure financing for their activities. As of today, more than 71 countries have implemented the Kimberly Process accounting for over 99% of all diamonds sold and distributed in the world.