- Botswana, the world’s second-largest diamond producer, has been unanimously elected to host the permanent secretariat of the Kimberley Process (KP). The KP, a coalition of governments, the diamond industry and civil society representatives was established in 2003 and acts as the certifying authority to certify that diamonds are not used to fund rebel groups.
Botswana, the world’s second-largest diamond producer, has been unanimously elected to host the permanent secretariat of the Kimberley Process (KP). The KP, a coalition of governments, the diamond industry, and civil society representatives was established in 2003 and acts as the certifying authority to certify that diamonds are not used to fund rebel groups. Announcing the decision, the KP said in a statement dated 7 November that the secretariat is expected to be operational by 2024.
Apart from Botswana, China and Austria also bid for hosting a permanent new headquarters and secretariat for the KP. Last week, Austria pulled out of the race, leaving Botswana and China as the contenders.
Zimbabwe has taken over the rotational chairmanship of the KP. About 85 countries are members of the body whose mandate is to eliminate trade in conflict diamonds. Even though the KP claims that it has made significant progress in halting such trade, the civil society organizations linked to the industry have been demanding reforms, redefining the term to cover human rights abuses.
Also read;
https://trendsnafrica.com/botswana-and-namibias-ban-on-south-african-farm-products-hit-exports/
https://trendsnafrica.com/botswana-drops-vaccine-mandate-and-allows-travellers-into-the-country/
