WDC concludes key issues at KP Intersessional
At the just concluded KP intersessional meeting world Diamond Council (WDC) shared their perspective
on the issues, work and progress achieved during this intersessional. WDC also focuses on opportunities for improvement in assuring optimal implementation of our requirements and standards in part due to the very limited capacity of the present ASM.
In a reform way, WDC appreciated the approach about support for the establishment of a permanent secretariat. WDC believe is essential to deliver the long-term critical value and essential support to the reform and review proposals that will be considered and hopefully agreed upon.
WDC addressed another key issue of artisanal diamond mining at the concluding session. Stéphane Fischler, WDC-President said: “We will be looking to collaborate towards introducing new elements within our core documents pertaining to cases of systemic violence, environmental degradation and labor related abuses occurring in artisanal diamond mining communities.”
“In support of continued export from the CAR we are and will continue the support the sustained efforts from the CAR KP Focal Point and the KP Monitoring Team to improve the efficiency and integrity of its processes.
It is well understood and agreed that this improved process will be taking place within the agreed operational framework that provides the necessary data to ensure the traceability that prevents diamonds originating from non-compliant zones to be exported.
The regional approach being currently activated is an essential element in support of CAR in particular, and more broadly to ensure sustained support to combat illicit exports “ he added. WDC is insisting upon a stronger implementation of our standards with adequate measure to enforce compliance.
