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Conflict Diamonds and the Role of the United States Government

Delve into the world of conflict diamonds and the United States Government's interest in combating the illicit trade through the Kimberley Process, exploring economic, security, and developmental implications. Understand the challenges, enforcement mechanisms, and the role of artisanal diamonds in this global issue.

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Conflict Diamonds and the Role of the United States Government

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  1. Catherine Picard. Ph.D. Bureau of African Affairs U.S. Department of State Conflict Diamonds and the Role of the United States Government

  2. Why is State Department interested in diamonds? • Economics • Security • Development

  3. Diamond Statistics

  4. “My neck leash was funding a rebellion…” • “Conflict diamonds” are defined as rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance armed conflicts aimed at undermining legitimate governments. • During 1990s, 4%-15% of rough diamonds • Angola, Sierra Leone, Liberia, DRC • U.S. Diamond Trade Act

  5. Getting to Kimberley: 1998 -- 2002 • Advocacy Campaigns • Industry buy in • Governments join • UNGA mandates negotiations • KP goes “live” in 2003

  6. KP Requirements – More than a piece of paper?

  7. The KP in Practice • 80 countries + observers • “Voluntarily mandatory” • Decision-Making • Governance • Administrative Support

  8. Enforcement • Tackle illicit cross-border trade • Share information • Training • Focus on Artisanal Production Illegitimate financing = Illegitimate diamonds

  9. Challenges • Definition of a Conflict Diamond • Enforcement • Sourcing • Beyond rough?

  10. KP Concerns • Decision-making processes • Definition • Internal Controls • Staffing/Secretariat • “Unfunded Mandate” • Political and economic dimensions

  11. Artisanal Diamond Concerns • Legal Rights • Child Labor, Environmental and Fair Trade • Rough vs. Cut and Polished Diamonds • Exploitation • Post-Conflict Vulnerabilities

  12. Reforming the KP • The definition • Monitoring & Enforcement • Addressing non- compliance • Decision-making • Artisanal Sector

  13. USG Engagement • Kimberley Process • USAID • U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) • Census • Treasury (OFAC) • United Nations • Multi-stakeholder fora (OECD)

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