Ensuring Positive On-the-Ground Impact

Implementing the Principles allows companies to better anticipate situations in which human rights abuses are most likely to occur and develop effective on-the-ground strategies to mitigate them. By participating in the Voluntary Principles Initiative, companies are able to better align their corporate policies and procedures with internationally recognized human rights principles regarding the security of their operations. They can also share best practices and lessons learned with other companies, governments, and NGOs and collaborate on challenging issues.

The Expanding Importance of the Principles

The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (“VPSHR” or the “Principles”) are embedded in at least 15 global industry performance standards, soft law instruments, and supply chain due diligence standards.

Originally developed for the oil, gas, and mining sectors, the Principles have since proven highly adaptable and useful for a wide range of sectors beyond extractives, including large agricultural operations, manufacturing, conservation, chemical plants, renewables, distribution and transportation, and infrastructure.

Manage Security Risks Proactively
Support Responsible Supply Chain Management

Implementing the Principles at the project level helps companies mitigate security-related human rights risks and strengthen stakeholder relationships. This creates a more stable and secure operating environment, improving the investment climate and reducing project shutdowns and delays.

The Principles are an essential element of secure, transparent and resilient supply chains. Many downstream buyers expect VPSHR implementation by upstream suppliers in high-risk areas, viewing it as part of their supply chain human rights due diligence.

  • Manage Security Risks Proactively

    Implementing the Principles at the project level helps companies mitigate security-related human rights risks and strengthen stakeholder relationships. This creates a more stable and secure operating environment, improving the investment climate and reducing project shutdowns and delays.

  • Support Responsible Supply Chain Management

    The Principles are an essential element of secure, transparent and resilient supply chains. Many downstream buyers expect VPSHR implementation by upstream suppliers in high-risk areas, viewing it as part of their supply chain human rights due diligence.

Companies in the Voluntary Principles Initiative

Companies in the Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI) are part of a global, multistakeholder community committed to responsible security and human rights practices. Through the VPI, companies can collaborate with governments and NGOs to improve VPSHR implementation both at the project level and across their operations. At the same time, companies can share their experiences, engage in joint problem-solving, and contribute to the development of security-related human rights resources.

Corporate Members

Why Join the Voluntary Principles Initiative

Access Peer Learning and Technical Expertise

The VPI creates a safe space for its Members to interact and learn from other governments, companies, and NGOs that share their experiences and can offer practical guidance on VPSHR implementation challenges.

Demonstrate Commitment to Stakeholders

VPI membership sends a strong message to investors, clients and local communities that a company is committed to responsible operations and human rights compliance.

Shape Best Practices in Security and Human Rights

Through peer collaboration, companies contribute real-world insights that help the VPI develop of leading tools and guidance.

Membership Documents – Companies

Becoming a Member

VPI membership is open to:

  • Governments
  • Companies operating in the extraction and development of natural resources (i.e., mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, and large-scale agriculture)
  • Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) working to advance human rights or other important norms relevant to the Voluntary Principles

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the entry criteria of their category. For more information, including how to apply, please visit our Membership page.

Membership

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