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

Mr. Chair, Excellences, Dear colleagues, 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, 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.  However, we regret that a number of votes are being called on this resolution, despite years of consensus, and we will continue our staunch support of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.  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...