EU Statement – UN General Assembly: Adoption of the draft resolution on the Role of diamonds in fuelling conflict

EU Statement - UN General Assembly: Adoption of the draft resolution on the Role of diamonds in fuelling conflict

15 April 2026, New York - Statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States at the United Nations General Assembly Plenary Meeting on the Adoption of draft resolution on the "The role of diamonds in fuelling conflict: breaking the link between the illicit transaction of rough diamonds and armed conflict as a contribution to prevention and settlement of conflicts"

Madame President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states.

The Candidate Countries, North Macedonia, Montenegro*, Serbia*, Albania*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and Bosnia and Herzegovina* and Georgia, align themselves with this statement.

The EU congratulates the United Arab Emirates for its good offices in building consensus in extraordinary times and for their efforts as Custodian Chair.

Conflict diamonds have played a major role in funding some of the most devastating civil wars in Africa. We have come a long way since the Kimberley Process was established. This joint initiative of Governments, civil society, and industry has had valuable developmental impact in improving the lives of people dependent on the trade in diamonds, reinforcing the message that diamonds belong to the communities that mine them, not to militias.

Since its creation in 2003, the European Union has been committed to ensuring that the Kimberley Process continues to fulfil its core mandate of breaking the link between diamonds and conflict. The EU has funded approximately 10 million euros in projects aimed to reinforce governance in the diamond sector and the development of alternative livelihoods, for example through the Mano River Union - supporting cooperation among Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, and in the Central African Republic.

The EU has also been among the most active supporters of KP reform and the broadening of the definition of conflict diamonds, leading the work to reform the Kimberley Process in an exerted effort to help it remain relevant and credible in a changing world, and ensure the legitimacy of its Certification Scheme. However, due to lack of consensus since the KP was established, the definition of conflict diamonds remains very narrow, focused on the notion of rebel movements undermining legitimate governments. We therefore regret that there was no consensus reached before the conclusion of the Ad Hoc Committee on Review and Reform to expand the definition in a meaningful way to capture the evolving nature of conflicts and the realities on the ground.

Unfortunately, the Kimberley Process continues to face unprecedented challenges. With a mandate deeply rooted in the full respect of State sovereignty, this resolution reminds us of "the obligations placed upon States by the Charter of the United Nations regarding the maintenance of international peace and security" and that "State sovereignty should be fully respected". We insist that these principles be respected by all member states, and regret that the KP has failed to address modern challenges. Therefore, we cannot but condemn the aggression of one Kimberley Process Participant against another. We regret that the KP has failed to address the implications of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine on the global rough diamond sector.

We look forward to working with India as Chair for 2026 and with all participants and observers in the year ahead.

Thank you, Madame President.

1. ^North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.