The document outlines the terms of reference for the Participation Committee of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). It details the composition and tasks of the committee. The committee, composed of no more than 9 members from Participants, Observers and civil society, assists the KPCS Chair in reviewing applications from new Participants to ensure they meet the KPCS requirements. The committee has one month to assess applications and may request clarification from applicants. For applicants currently on the chairman's list, the committee has a three month interim period to review them as well.

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Participation Committee
Terms of reference
1. Composition of the Committee
1.1.Within one month of assuming office, the Chair will, following consultations
with Participants, submit the proposed composition of the Committee for the
approval of all Participants by written procedure.
1.2.The Chair will make its selection from among candidates submitted to him by
Participants and Observers. The Committee shall be composed of no more
than nine members. No more than seven of these members, including the
Chair of the Committee, shall be chosen from among candidates submitted to
the Chair of the Kimberley Process by Participants, one shall be chosen from
among candidates submitted by civil society Observers, and one shall be
chosen among candidates submitted by industry Observers. The Chair will
ensure that there will be an appropriate geographical balance among
members whose candidatures were submitted by Participants. Each
candidature shall be accompanied by a detailed C.V. The Chair will ensure
that proposed members of the Committee possess the expertise required for
performing the tasks set out in these terms of reference.
2. Task of the Committee
2.1.The task of the Committee is to assist the Chair of the Kimberley Process in
his role of handling the admission of new Participants to the KPCS in
accordance with Sections II, V (a), VI (8 & 9) of the KPCS document.
2.2.Within one week of receiving an official application to join the KPCS through
diplomatic channels, the Chair shall forward the documents received to
support this application to the Chair of the Committee.
2.3.Within one month of receiving these documents, the Committee shall submit
an assessment, based on a review of the documents, on whether the applicant
meets the minimum requirements of the KPCS, set out in Section II, V (a) and
VI (8 & 9) of the KPCS document.
2.4.The Committee may through its Chair seek clarification on information
received and may enter into dialogue with the Applicant concerned on the
issues to be addressed, and make best efforts to provide advice and guidance
on how the issues may be resolved.

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2.5.The Applicant concerned should reply within a period of one calendar month. If
it fails to do so, the Committee may make its recommendation to the Chair of
the Kimberley Process.
3. Interim measures
3.1.During a review period which shall expire within three months after the
adoption of the present terms of reference by the Plenary, the Committee shall
also undertake the tasks specified in Section 2 where applicable of the terms
of reference with regard to those on the Chairman’s list of Participants, in
terms of Sections II, V (a) and VI (8 & 9) of the KPCS document. The
Committee shall notify the Chair of its assessment by the time of expiry of the
interim period.