Security and Human Rights

We promote a set of principles that guides companies on how to conduct their security operations while respecting human rights.

A standard and a multi-stakeholder Initiative

We believe in the importance of the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the world and the constructive role businesses, governments, and civil society can play in together advancing these goals.

In 2000, companies, governments and NGOs engaged in a dialogue to address security-related human rights abuses and violations. As a collective effort, the Voluntary Principles were developed and later became a globally recognized standard. The Voluntary Principles Initiative promotes the principles and its implementation by members from three pillars: corporate, government, and NGO.

Joint effort. Collective gain

Through the implementation of the Voluntary Principles and participation in the Initiative, governments, NGOs and companies develop relationships through which they can participate in dialogue, engage in mutual learning and joint problem solving, create common approaches to address challenges, and jointly promote human rights for a lasting positive impact.

For governments

Reaffirms government commitment to the protection of human rights and prevention of conflict. Promotes transparency and good corporate social responsibility practices and encourages a more stable investment environment.

For companies

Minimises security-related impacts on communities and aligns corporate policies with internationally recognized human rights principles. It also reduces reputational concerns and contributes to operational stability.

For NGOs

Provides a better understanding of issues related to security and human rights, improving the ability to advocate for change. Provides tools and approaches that can be incorporated into their work.

Read our latest news

21

April 2023

Position Available: Grants Manager/ Programme Manager

We are looking for a self-starting Grants Manager/ Programme Manager to join our small team and support work to strengthen the on-the-ground human rights practices of companies in collaboration with businesses, governments and civil society. Apply by June 9, 2023. Interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis.

22

February 2023

Panel at PDAC – Navigating Complex Waters: Tools for Security, Conflict, and Human Rights

Join the VPI at this multi-stakeholder panel, where panellists will explain new tools designed to help mining companies and other stakeholders manage security and human rights risks in complex environments. The panellists will employ a scenario and engage in interactive dialogue to illustrate how different tools can be used.

21

February 2023

VPI Participation at PDAC 2023 Convention

The Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI) will be at the upcoming Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention, taking place in Toronto, Canada. We invite stakeholders who are interested to connect and to learn more about the Voluntary Principles to visit us at our booth. Hard copies of recently launched materials and tools will be available at the booth.

19

January 2023

Application window to apply for VPI Membership is open until March 31, 2023

The Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI) is currently receiving new membership applications. Organizations interested in becoming a VPI Member need to submit their application in writing by March 31, 2023.

More news and updates

What you may also want to know

Read answers to common questions about how implementing the principles will bring a positive impact to communities and what becoming a member of the Initiative means.

What are considered human rights abuses in relation to security operations?

Do I need to be a member to implement the Voluntary Principles?

How is the Voluntary Principles Initiative governed?

How do the different pillars contribute to the Initiative?

How can the Voluntary Principles support a company to achieve better results on the ground?

Everyone is entitled to fundamental human rights which include the right to life, to be free from torture and degrading treatment, freedom of expression, among others. While performing their duties and to protect the rights of others, private and public security personnel may need to use force to secure company assets, operations, and personnel. However, they still need to comply with policies, procedures, and the law. That includes using the minimum force necessary to resolve the situation, acting ethically, and only when necessary. Security personnel should also consider the vulnerabilities of particular groups such as women and girls, children, indigenous peoples, ethnic and religious minorities, foreign nationals, the poor and marginalized, LGBT persons and human rights defenders. Failing to do so may result in human rights abuses or violations.

You do not need to be a member to implement the Voluntary Principles. However, members can benefit from joining the Initiative. For example, members can participate in dialogue about the challenges of implementing the principles; engage in mutual learning and joint problem solving with other members that are well versed in security and human rights issues; create partnerships to address the challenges of security and human rights at the international, national and project level; jointly promote human rights to provide lasting positive impact; and develop tools that will help define best practice.

Participants are organized into three pillars: corporate, government, and NGO. Observers can participate if they meet certain criteria such as demonstrating relevant expertise in human rights or in the industries that are the focus of the Voluntary Principles. All participants attend an annual plenary where the main decision-making takes place. Additionally, a Steering Committee, formed by participants of all three pillars, is responsible for the executive decisions. The Secretariat is responsible for the day-to-day administration. Finally, the Voluntary Principles Association is the entity that addresses the financial and administrative needs of the Initiative.

Each group of stakeholders offers a unique perspective and contribution. Governments provide an enabling environment for the implementation of the Voluntary Principles for the public and private security sector and implement national policies; companies have firsthand knowledge regarding the challenges of working with public and private security on the ground; and NGOs have access to information regarding how security-related issues impact local communities. By working together and sharing information, stakeholders are better equipped to address security concerns collectively and to achieve lasting positive impacts.

The principles support improved practices by companies at the project level. Company participants have updated their corporate policies to reflect the values and act on the recommendations found in the principles. For example, many companies have integrated the principles into their contracts with private security providers. Additionally, companies have made significant investments in training programs for public and private security forces, employees, and contractors. Companies who join the Initiative can also draw on the experience of other members to better identify and manage security-related human rights risks.

What are considered human rights abuses in relation to security operations?

Everyone is entitled to fundamental human rights which include the right to life, to be free from torture and degrading treatment, freedom of expression, among others. While performing their duties and to protect the rights of others, private and public security personnel may need to use force to secure company assets, operations, and personnel. However, they still need to comply with policies, procedures, and the law. That includes using the minimum force necessary to resolve the situation, acting ethically, and only when necessary. Security personnel should also consider the vulnerabilities of particular groups such as women and girls, children, indigenous peoples, ethnic and religious minorities, foreign nationals, the poor and marginalized, LGBT persons and human rights defenders. Failing to do so may result in human rights abuses or violations.
Do I need to be a member to implement the Voluntary Principles?

You do not need to be a member to implement the Voluntary Principles. However, members can benefit from joining the Initiative. For example, members can participate in dialogue about the challenges of implementing the principles; engage in mutual learning and joint problem solving with other members that are well versed in security and human rights issues; create partnerships to address the challenges of security and human rights at the international, national and project level; jointly promote human rights to provide lasting positive impact; and develop tools that will help define best practice.

Read more
How is the Voluntary Principles Initiative governed?

Participants are organized into three pillars: corporate, government, and NGO. Observers can participate if they meet certain criteria such as demonstrating relevant expertise in human rights or in the industries that are the focus of the Voluntary Principles. All participants attend an annual plenary where the main decision-making takes place. Additionally, a Steering Committee, formed by participants of all three pillars, is responsible for the executive decisions. The Secretariat is responsible for the day-to-day administration. Finally, the Voluntary Principles Association is the entity that addresses the financial and administrative needs of the Initiative.

Read more
How do the different pillars contribute to the Initiative?

Each group of stakeholders offers a unique perspective and contribution. Governments provide an enabling environment for the implementation of the Voluntary Principles for the public and private security sector and implement national policies; companies have firsthand knowledge regarding the challenges of working with public and private security on the ground; and NGOs have access to information regarding how security-related issues impact local communities. By working together and sharing information, stakeholders are better equipped to address security concerns collectively and to achieve lasting positive impacts.
How can the Voluntary Principles support a company to achieve better results on the ground?

The principles support improved practices by companies at the project level. Company participants have updated their corporate policies to reflect the values and act on the recommendations found in the principles. For example, many companies have integrated the principles into their contracts with private security providers. Additionally, companies have made significant investments in training programs for public and private security forces, employees, and contractors. Companies who join the Initiative can also draw on the experience of other members to better identify and manage security-related human rights risks.

Read more

How to become a member of the Initiative

Learn more about the admission criteria to each pillar and details about the process of becoming a member.