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Civil society announces local focal point for the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme
National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations in Zimbabwe (NANGO)
August 17, 2010

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, popularly known as KPCS, is a process introduced by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 55/56. Following recommendations in the Fowler Report, the process was established in 2003 to prevent diamond sales from financing rebellious movements. The KPCS is a tripartite mechanism that involves business, government, and civil society. It is designed to certify the origin of rough diamonds from sources that are free of conflict fuelled by diamond production. The certification scheme aims at preventing "blood diamonds" from entering the mainstream rough diamond market. Furthermore, it is meant to provide assurance to consumers that they are purchasing diamonds free from war financing and human rights abuses. The KPCS is a tripartite mechanism involving business, government and civil society.

At the 2009 KPCS Plenary meeting in Swakopmund, Namibia, the KPCS endorsed a Joint Work Plan for the purposes of working with Zimbabwe toward full compliance with the minimum standards of the KPCS. The Joint Work Plan (JWP) is to be supported by technical assistance from Participants and Observers in the KPCS.

Accordingly, at the Petersburg meeting it was agreed that the KP and Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) are to provide the KP Monitor with full support to strengthen the JWP monitoring mechanism. This includes a KP local focal point representing civil society, appointed by the civil society coalition in consultation with the WGM. The KP local focal point is to present facts in full independence and support the KP Monitor in the performance of his duties pertaining to his function to report on the overall implementation of the JWP. The KP local focal point is to have free and unfettered access in Zimbabwe to perform his/her duties, in accordance with the JWP and the terms of reference on the KP Monitor.

Consequently, a Local Focal Point (LFP) for the KP process has been established following extensive consultations with our membership and partners. The LFP, consisting of a Technical Committee of organizations actively involved in lobbying and advocacy work related to natural resources (with special emphasis to the ongoing work around Chiadzwa area), is housed at NANGO and coordinated by member nominated by the Technical Committee.

Mr. Farai Maguwu, of the Centre for Research and Development (CRD)will coordinate the mechanism on behalf of the broader civil society operating under the auspices of NANGO.

The Local Focal Point will be instrumental in promoting dialogue and engagement amongst civil society, business and the government on the socio-economic matters affecting our nation as we jointly work together to build a stronger Zimbabwe.

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