GA: The role of diamonds in fuelling conflict (Agenda Item 32)

Madame President,

It was a great privilege to serve this year as the Chairman of the Kimberley Process (KP) on behalf  of the State of Israel.

It is an immense responsibility to lead such an important Process, which encompasses so many stakeholders and touches the lives of millions around the world. Personally and professionally, I found it both challenging and rewarding, exhausting and gratifying.

Guided by the objective of protecting the credibility of the Kimberley Process, we focused on collaborating with all participants and furthering its important aims.

To that end, Israel, as the Chair, worked closely and consistently with the communities that depend on diamonds for their livelihood and well-being, ensuring that this precious mineral does not serve as a tool for oppression and abuse.

It was both a pleasure and an honor to host hundreds of delegates for the intersessional and plenary meetings. These delegates represented 50 countries, civil society organizations, and the global diamond industry.

Madame President,

As Chair, we acted not only to uphold the core KP standards, but also to enhance its capabilities by putting forward three comprehensive initiatives, all of which were adopted by consensus.

These initiatives, inter alia, improve enforcement measures to combat the trade of conflict diamonds through cooperation with the World Customs Organisation and have laid the foundation of a technical, administrative body that assists the rotating chairs to manage the process irrespective of their resources. These measures will undoubtedly make the Kimberley Process more robust by enhancing its operational capabilities.

Our work this year also included providing information to the UN panels of experts on Liberia and the Group of Experts on Cote d'Ivoire. As Chair of the Process, we directed the relevant KP committees to convey the requested information, which directly contributed to the implementation of Security Council resolutions 1893 and 1903.

Madame President,

Israel placed extensive focus on finding a solution to the issue of rough diamond exports from the Marange area in Zimbabwe. I am concerned that no consensus has been reached on the way to move forward. Efforts to overcome this challenge are still ongoing. If we are unsuccessful, I would recommend that the incoming Chair, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, take all measures to reach a long-term solution on this issue.

The unfortunate lack of consensus in the KP did not prevent Israel from making controversial decisions, which are of major importance to combat exports of rough diamonds from Marange that are not compliant with Kimberley Process Certification Scheme standards.

Supported by KP members, these decisions are vital to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the Process. They represent important milestones, as Member Countries remain steadfast in their adherence to these decisions, despite the current lack of consensus. This should serve as a source of pride to the KP and as a notice to its critics. KP discipline endures despite strong economic incentives to the contrary, proving to consumers around the world that the Process is both a formidable tool and an effective regulator.

Madame President,

On behalf of the group of co-sponsors, I have the honour to introduce draft resolution A/65/L.52 entitled, “The role of diamonds in fuelling conflict: breaking the link between the illicit transaction of rough diamonds and armed conflict as a contribution to the prevention and settlement of conflicts.” This draft resolution is supported by a wide range of Member States.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the delegations for their professional and constructive contributions to the negotiations on this draft resolution. Our collective work has led to a draft resolution that will advance the fundamental objectives of the KP.

This resolution is a testament to the importance our global community places on curbing the trade in “conflict diamonds”, preventing them from fueling violence and instability. Through this resolution we resolve to continue our collective efforts to achieve the goals of the United Nations and to ensure peace, security and safety for all.

Madame President,

Israel passes on a strong and active KP, with clear and defined channels for moving the Process forward. This would not have happened without cooperation and support from all the participants who make up the unique mosaic called the Kimberley Process. I would like to thank my colleagues from the Member Countries, the civil society coalition and World Diamond Council for their support. It was a true privilege to serve with you to benefit communities around the world.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the incoming Chair, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and offer my best wishes for their success in leading this important Process.

Thank you.