In 2000, we published The Heart of the Matter: Sierra Leone, Diamonds and Human Security — one of the first reports that drew the link between diamonds and conflict financing. Our efforts towards a responsibly-managed diamond supply chain led to a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2003.
Diamond Supply Chain Process & Human Rights - IMPACT Français Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Youtube Our Approach To the Issues Regulatory and Legal Reform Supply Chain Transparency Illicit Trade and Financing Gender Equality Environmental Stewardship To the Natural Resources Diamonds Gold Tin, Tungsten, Tantalum Cobalt Coloured Gemstones Our Research Research Reports Policy Briefs Archive Our Work By Project AFECCOR Challenging Corruption Digging for Equality Foundations for Peace Her Security Just Gold Mapping Payments Scaling Up Past Projects Civil Society Toolkit on Supply Chain Risks Gender Assessments ICGLR Regional Certification Mechanism ICGLR Regional Database on Mineral Flows KP Regional Approach for the Mano River Union Women in ASM in Central and East Africa Women of Peace By Countries Burundi Canada Cote d’Ivoire Democratic Republic of Congo Guinea Indonesia Kenya Liberia Peru Rwanda Sierra Leone Tanzania Uganda Zambia Resources News From our Experts From the Field Press Releases About Us Our Team Our Board of Directors Our Donors Our Collaborations 30 Years of Impact Annual Reports Careers Contact Us DONATE IMPACT on Diamonds For nearly two decades, IMPACT has worked to end the trade of conflict diamonds. In 2000, we published The Heart of the Matter: Sierra Leone, Diamonds and Human Security—one of the first reports that drew the link between diamonds and conflict financing. Our efforts towards a responsibly-managed diamond supply chain led to a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2003. What are diamonds? Diamonds are hard precious gemstones that naturally form over billions of years through high temperatures and pressure, deep below the earth. They are brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions and, over time, are broken down and carried across wide areas by wind and water. Modern technology has made it possible to also grow synthetic diamonds in laboratories that imitate the conditions in which diamonds naturally develop. Where are diamonds found? Diamonds are mined in many countries around the world, with significant deposits in Russia, Canada, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. After being mined, rough diamonds are taken to trading hubs for cutting and polishing, such as Hong Kong, Mumbai, New York, Tel Aviv, Dubai, and—the largest trading hub—Antwerp. How do you use diamonds? While diamonds are most well known for being used in jewellery, they also have many industrial uses. Due to their hardness and durability, they’re ideal for polishing, cutting, drilling, and engraving tough materials, including granite and quartz. Diamonds are also used in various electronics such as high-quality speakers, in windows, in abrasives, and even in some beauty products. How are diamonds mined? Diamond pipe mining refers to industrial operations that dig deep into kimberlite pipe deposits—deposits of hardened volcanic rock—to create open pits. Alluvial diamond mining refers to industrial, small-scale, or artisanal mining of secondary deposits that were brought to the earth’s surface and transported by water to different locations over millions of years. According to the World Bank, one in five diamonds is mined by artisanal miners—individuals and groups who mine from alluvial mineral deposits with very simple, low-technology equipment and often work informally. Diamonds, security, and human rights The issue of “blood diamonds” first rose to international attention during civil wars in Africa in the 1990s. Rebel groups used the light-weight and high-value gemstones to finance conflicts, leading to drawn-out violence.In response to international outcry, the Kimberly Process (KP) was established in 2000 and led to the adoption of the KP Certification Scheme that certifies rough diamonds as conflict-free. It was the first multi-stakeholder initiative made up of governments, civil society, and industry collaborating to address a major human rights concern. Countries that are members of the KP have to implement minimum requirements, including proving the origin of rough diamonds.As the diamond trade continues to change, there are calls for the KP to broaden its definition of conflict diamonds to include violence and human rights abuses committed by governments, private military companies, or other actors—not just rebel groups who aim to finance conflicts to overthrow legitimate governments.The issues of smuggling, money laundering, and transfer pricing—a practice in which trading centres export diamonds at values higher than they were imported for—are relevant in today’s diamond supply chain and increase risks for miners, their communities, and producing countries. These emerging issues taint the legal supply chain with illicit diamonds and cheat communities out of fair compensation for their natural resources.Millions of people around the world depend on artisanal diamond mining for their livelihood. In many places it is still informal and unregulated, with miners operating outside of the formal economy. Miners can face human rights abuses at mine sites as well as unsafe conditions worsened by lack of training, safety equipment, and proper tools. Artisanal mining’s informal and unregulated nature can also have devastating environmental impacts, such as deforestation and soil erosion. We RevealWe carry out extensive investigations and research into the diamond supply chain, which provides important recommendations that allow us to develop improved systems to end the illicit trade of conflict diamonds. Our research focuses on highlighting ongoing violence and human rights abuses during diamond mining. We also examine the drivers of illicit trade, such as lax controls internally and at trading hubs, and provide recommendations to support the formalization of the artisanal diamond mining sector. We also provide analysis of certification, traceability, and due diligence as it applies to the diamond supply chain. We InnovateAs part of our efforts to improve management of the diamond supply chain, we were a founding member of the Kimberley Process (KP) in 2000 and helped develop the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme that certifies rough diamonds as conflict-free. In December 2017, we announced our withdrawal from the KP after a failure to make progress on reforms that were needed to bring legitimacy back to the initiative. We continue working with the KP members who genuinely seek to end the trade of conflict and illicit diamonds, through traceability and due diligence, whether through the KP or other initiatives. We continue to collaborate with KP Civil Society Coalition members on the effective implementation of internal controls for diamonds and other conflict-prone minerals, as well as support countries to implement measures to end illicit trade. We have supported the development and implementation of private sector guidelines that promote transparency and due diligence in the diamond sector, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas. We provide capacity building and sensitization to policymakers, civil society, and the private sector on their responsibilities with regards to the KP and OECD Due Diligence and work with stakeholders to develop strategies to improve controls and end illicit trade. We EngageOur work to end the conflict diamond trade requires significant dialogue across stakeholder groups to promote traceability and due diligence and to ensure benefits reach artisanal miners, their communities, and producer countries. We were a founding member—and are a continuing partner—of the KP Civil Society Coalition, a group of non-governmental organizations across Africa, Europe, and North America who bring the voices and concerns of artisanal diamond miners to industry and governments. Together, we engage governments to strengthen their internal controls and encourage the private sector to put in place traceability and due diligence for the entire diamond supply chain. We also drive dialogue with partners including international and national law enforcement agencies, border and customs agencies, policymakers, industry leaders, and financial institutions on the illicit diamond trade. We support regional approaches to end smuggling and the illicit trade of diamonds and we’re part of the technical team advising Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea as they develop a joint strategy to strengthen their KP compliance. We also promote sensitization and raise awareness among consumers about the origins of their diamonds. Crisis averted by last-minute agreement on Zimbabwe diamonds, but campaigners warn that biggest test lies aheadJuly 16, 2010July 16, 2010 Campaign groups Partnership Africa Canada and Global Witness today acknowledged that an deal reached by the Kimberley… Global Witness and PAC reject Zimbabwe diamond bribe allegationsJune 28, 2010June 28, 2010 Campaign groups Global Witness and Partnership Africa Canada (PAC) today categorically rejected allegations that they offered to… Diamond meeting ends without consensus on ZimbabweJune 24, 2010Serious challenges ahead for landmark certification scheme, say NGOs June 24, 2010 The lack of consensus among Kimberley Process (KP)… Russia: The Next Frontier for Conflict DiamondsMarch 18, 2022As Russian missiles fall on Ukraine, the international community is united in an effort to stop Russian aggression. Russian oligarchs… IMPACT Joins Civil Society Open Letter to Responsible Jewellery CouncilJuly 11, 2019A group of 27 civil society groups have written an open letter to the Responsible Jewellery Council highlighting concerns with… Ottawa Conference Highlights how Natural Resources can Support Peace and DevelopmentNovember 29, 2018In September, IMPACT brought together over 100 stakeholders for a one-day conference to discuss natural resources in areas where security… Diamond Industry Fails to Clean up its ActNovember 12, 2018November 12, 2018—London, Ottawa, Washington DC The diamond industry must deliver on its promise that consumers can trust the diamonds… Civil Society Call to Tackle Abuses, Conflict, and Lack of Transparency in Diamond Supply ChainJune 21, 2018The diamond industry continues to be tainted by links between diamonds and human rights abuses, conflict finance, and corruption. Although… IMPACT Joins Civil Society Call for Jewellery Industry to Take ActionFebruary 8, 2018Almost 30 international and grassroots non-profit organizations are calling on the jewellery industry to turn its commitment to responsible sourcing… “Consumers are Being Sold Something That’s Not Real”: Non-Profit Announces Departure from Conflict Diamonds Certification SchemeDecember 14, 2017Founding civil society member announces it is leaving Kimberley Process after reform year fails to produce any needed changes Brisbane,… Conflict Diamonds from CAR Entering International Markets via CameroonDecember 2, 2016Kimberley Process must act after new report reveals shortfalls in Cameroon’s traceability procedures create opportunities for smuggling and corruption Ottawa,… Despite Last Minute Overtures, Civil Society Boycotts Conflict Diamond Meeting in DubaiNovember 10, 2016“Rigour” Needed in Kimberley Process Chair’s Newest Proposals Ottawa, Canada—November 10, 2016 Civil society who are members of a conflict… Civil Society under Attack in Liberia: Green Advocates Staff in Hiding after Threats from PoliceNovember 4, 2016Ottawa—November 4, 2016 Partnership Africa Canada is calling on the Liberian government to immediately ensure the safety and security of… Civil society statement at the 10th Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains, Paris, 10-12 May 2016May 12, 2016National and international civil society organisations working to advance transparency and accountability in supply chains welcome this 10th Joint Forum… Time for Leadership at the Kimberley ProcessDecember 9, 2015By Offah Obale, Conflict Minerals Researcher Flying out of Angola after last month’s Kimberley Process (KP) Plenary, the biannual meeting… New Reports on Artisanal Diamond Mining in Côte d'Ivoire and Democratic Republic of CongoNovember 20, 2015Social Survey Report into Artisanal Diamond Mining Sites in Kasaï-Oriental Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo presents the findings… Civil Society Boycotts Conflict Diamonds Certification SchemeNovember 17, 2015Civil Society Boycotts Conflict Diamonds Certification Scheme Appointing UAE as Chair of Kimberley Process is “Red Line” Luanda, Angola /… New Report on Due Diligence Efforts in Precious Stones Supply ChainJuly 16, 2015A new study that examines due diligence efforts in the precious stone and diamond supply chains has been released. “Due Diligence… Civil Society Coalition Speech at KP Intersessional - June 2014June 10, 2014June 10, 2014 Today at the Kimberley Process Intersessional in Shanghai, China, PAC’s research director, Alan Martin, delivered the following… All That Glitters is Not Gold: Dubai, Congo, and the Illicit Trade of Conflict MineralsMay 27, 2014May 27, 2014 Dear Friend, Partnership Africa Canada is pleased to provide you with a copy of its latest report,… Opening Comments to the Kimberley Process IntersessionalJune 4, 2013Please see attached for the opening comments from the Kimberley Process Civil Society Coalition, given at Kimbereley Process Intersessional at… Multi-Stakeholder Group Meeting in ParisMay 2, 2013Paris, France – May 2, 2013 On Tuesday, April 30, 2013, a multi-stakeholder group comprised of some fifty representatives from… PAC releases new report Reap What You Sow: Greed and Corruption in Zimbabwe’s Marange Diamond FieldsNovember 12, 2012Ottawa, Canada- November 12, 2012 Partnership Africa Canada is pleased to provide you with its latest report Reap What You… Will the next Nicky Oppenheimer please stand upMay 14, 2012World Diamond Council Meeting Vicenza, Italy- May 13-14, 2012 Should the recent conviction of Liberian warlord Charles Taylor for war… Remarks to the Annual meeting of the World Diamond CouncilMay 11, 2012Vicenza, Italy- May 14, 2012 Eli Izakhoff, Ambassador Milovanovic, Minister Shabangu, distinguished guests. Thank you for inviting me here, and… Kimberley Process lets Zimbabwe off the hook (again)November 2, 2011November 2, 2011 The Kimberley Process (KP) has thrown away its main point of leverage over the Zimbabwean government by… Civil society expresses vote of no confidence in conflict diamond schemeJune 23, 2011June 23, 2011 Activist organisations today expressed a vote of no confidence in the Kimberley Process, and walked out of… Electronics, auto makers should commit now to due diligence standards to end trade in conflict mineralsMay 26, 2011Goma/Kinshasa/London/Ottawa/Paris/Washington- May 26, 2011 The organizations CENADEP – Kinshasa, CCFD-Terre Solidaire, Enough Project, Global Witness, Partnership Africa Canada, UAID –… Action needed to block illegal export of Zimbabwe conflict diamondsNovember 16, 2010Ottawa- November 16, 2010 The Kimberley Process must take tough enforcement action in light of evidence that Zimbabwe is set… Conflict diamond scheme must resolve Zimbabwe diamonds impasseNovember 5, 2010November 5, 2010 The Kimberley Process (KP) rough diamond certification scheme must reach a credible agreement with the Government of… Crisis averted by last-minute agreement on Zimbabwe diamonds, but campaigners warn that biggest test lies aheadJuly 16, 2010July 16, 2010 Campaign groups Partnership Africa Canada and Global Witness today acknowledged that an deal reached by the Kimberley… Global Witness and PAC reject Zimbabwe diamond bribe allegationsJune 28, 2010June 28, 2010 Campaign groups Global Witness and Partnership Africa Canada (PAC) today categorically rejected allegations that they offered to… Diamond meeting ends without consensus on ZimbabweJune 24, 2010Serious challenges ahead for landmark certification scheme, say NGOs June 24, 2010 The lack of consensus among Kimberley Process (KP)… Russia: The Next Frontier for Conflict DiamondsMarch 18, 2022As Russian missiles fall on Ukraine, the international community is united in an effort to stop Russian aggression. Russian oligarchs… IMPACT Joins Civil Society Open Letter to Responsible Jewellery CouncilJuly 11, 2019A group of 27 civil society groups have written an open letter to the Responsible Jewellery Council highlighting concerns with… Ottawa Conference Highlights how Natural Resources can Support Peace and DevelopmentNovember 29, 2018In September, IMPACT brought together over 100 stakeholders for a one-day conference to discuss natural resources in areas where security… Diamond Industry Fails to Clean up its ActNovember 12, 2018November 12, 2018—London, Ottawa, Washington DC The diamond industry must deliver on its promise that consumers can trust the diamonds… Civil Society Call to Tackle Abuses, Conflict, and Lack of Transparency in Diamond Supply ChainJune 21, 2018The diamond industry continues to be tainted by links between diamonds and human rights abuses, conflict finance, and corruption. Although… IMPACT Joins Civil Society Call for Jewellery Industry to Take ActionFebruary 8, 2018Almost 30 international and grassroots non-profit organizations are calling on the jewellery industry to turn its commitment to responsible sourcing… “Consumers are Being Sold Something That’s Not Real”: Non-Profit Announces Departure from Conflict Diamonds Certification SchemeDecember 14, 2017Founding civil society member announces it is leaving Kimberley Process after reform year fails to produce any needed changes Brisbane,… Conflict Diamonds from CAR Entering International Markets via CameroonDecember 2, 2016Kimberley Process must act after new report reveals shortfalls in Cameroon’s traceability procedures create opportunities for smuggling and corruption Ottawa,… Despite Last Minute Overtures, Civil Society Boycotts Conflict Diamond Meeting in DubaiNovember 10, 2016“Rigour” Needed in Kimberley Process Chair’s Newest Proposals Ottawa, Canada—November 10, 2016 Civil society who are members of a conflict… Civil Society under Attack in Liberia: Green Advocates Staff in Hiding after Threats from PoliceNovember 4, 2016Ottawa—November 4, 2016 Partnership Africa Canada is calling on the Liberian government to immediately ensure the safety and security of… Civil society statement at the 10th Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains, Paris, 10-12 May 2016May 12, 2016National and international civil society organisations working to advance transparency and accountability in supply chains welcome this 10th Joint Forum… Time for Leadership at the Kimberley ProcessDecember 9, 2015By Offah Obale, Conflict Minerals Researcher Flying out of Angola after last month’s Kimberley Process (KP) Plenary, the biannual meeting… New Reports on Artisanal Diamond Mining in Côte d'Ivoire and Democratic Republic of CongoNovember 20, 2015Social Survey Report into Artisanal Diamond Mining Sites in Kasaï-Oriental Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo presents the findings… Civil Society Boycotts Conflict Diamonds Certification SchemeNovember 17, 2015Civil Society Boycotts Conflict Diamonds Certification Scheme Appointing UAE as Chair of Kimberley Process is “Red Line” Luanda, Angola /… New Report on Due Diligence Efforts in Precious Stones Supply ChainJuly 16, 2015A new study that examines due diligence efforts in the precious stone and diamond supply chains has been released. “Due Diligence… Civil Society Coalition Speech at KP Intersessional - June 2014June 10, 2014June 10, 2014 Today at the Kimberley Process Intersessional in Shanghai, China, PAC’s research director, Alan Martin, delivered the following… All That Glitters is Not Gold: Dubai, Congo, and the Illicit Trade of Conflict MineralsMay 27, 2014May 27, 2014 Dear Friend, Partnership Africa Canada is pleased to provide you with… truncated (3,425 more characters in archive)