Fact Check: "The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme was established in 2003 to combat blood diamonds."
What We Know
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was indeed established in 2003 with the primary goal of combating the trade in conflict diamonds, commonly referred to as "blood diamonds." These are defined as rough diamonds sold by rebel groups or their allies to fund conflicts against legitimate governments. The KPCS aims to increase transparency and oversight within the diamond supply chain, thereby facilitating legitimate trade among participating countries while prohibiting trade with non-participants (Conflict Diamonds and the Kimberley Process).
The KPCS requires that rough diamonds be shipped in tamper-proof containers and accompanied by a Kimberley Process Certificate, which certifies that the diamonds have not benefited rebel movements. As of now, the KPCS includes 59 participants representing 85 countries, including major players like the United States and the European Union (Blood Diamonds: The Successes and Failures of ...).
Analysis
The claim that the KPCS was established in 2003 to combat blood diamonds is supported by multiple credible sources. The U.S. State Department outlines the KPCS's purpose and operational framework, emphasizing its role in eliminating conflict diamonds from the legitimate diamond trade (Conflict Diamonds and the Kimberley Process).
Moreover, academic literature, such as the article by Audrie Howard, corroborates this information by detailing the KPCS's implementation and its objectives to eliminate conflict diamonds from the supply chain (Blood Diamonds: The Successes and Failures of ...).
While the KPCS has faced criticism regarding its effectiveness and enforcement, the foundational claim regarding its establishment and purpose remains intact. The criticisms often focus on its implementation and the need for reforms rather than disputing its original intent (Conflict Diamonds and the Kimberley Process Certification ...).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme was established in 2003 to combat blood diamonds is accurate. The KPCS was created to enhance transparency in the diamond trade and eliminate the presence of conflict diamonds, fulfilling its primary mission as outlined by various credible sources.
