NGOs: Monitor Liberian Diamond Production in Light of Ban Lifting

Reacting to the lifting of the UN embargo on Liberian diamonds, Global Witness and Partnership Africa Canada said the Liberia’s diamond production must be closely monitored.

“The Government of Liberia has made good progress in establishing a system of controls to prevent diamonds from fuelling conflict," they NGOs said Global Witness.

It called for effective implementation and enforcement of the Kimberley Process, including reporting and production statistics monitoring, saying it is crucial in ensuring that diamonds never again fuel wars.

The United Nations Security Council voted on Friday to end the embargo on Liberian diamonds following progress made by the Liberian government in establishing a system to combat the trade in conflict diamonds. 

In its resolution ending the ban, the UN called on the Kimberley Process to report to the Security Council within 90 days on Liberia’s compliance with the KP certification scheme.

Conflict diamonds have fuelled civil wars in Liberia and other African countries that have resulted in the death and displacement of millions of people.