Categories of Membership
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
In addition to Members, there is a category for Observer organizations. These include international organizations, such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Finance Corporation, as well as industry and trade associations, such as the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM).
See the full list of our Members and Observers here.
Pathway to Membership
There are two membership tiers: Engaged Members and Full Members. New applicants need to first apply to become an Engaged Member. Once approved, Engaged Members are expected to deepen their commitment and fully implement the VPSHR throughout their operations. Engaged Members can seek advice and support with their implementation efforts from the VPI Secretariat and other Members, and they may be required to pay a reduced membership fee. Engaged Members do not have voting rights within the Initiative.
To become Full Members, organizations must fulfill certain requirements, which include demonstrating their efforts to implement or support the implementation of the VPSHR.
Applying for Membership
Applicants must first demonstrate that they meet the entry criteria for their category. Applicants should refer to their category’s Framework for Admission, available below, for information and guidance on the entry criteria and the application process.
All applications must be submitted by email to applications@voluntaryprinciples.org. The VPI Secretariat is available to answer questions and provide more information to applicants before and throughout the application process.
Application Timeframe
The VPI has two application windows, ending March 31 and September 15 of each year. Applications sent after each window will be assessed during the next cycle. Typically, a successful application process takes several months from the window close date to acceptance.
Review Process
The VPI Board reviews each application, in consultation with VPI Members. Additional clarifications may be requested. Before a decision is made, applicants may be invited to deliver a presentation to the Board and other Members.
Long-Term Commitment
Becoming a VPI Member marks the beginning of a purposeful journey. By applying, organizations signal their dedication to continuous improvement, commitment to transparency, and sustained intention to engage with a multistakeholder community to strengthen their security and human rights practices.
Frameworks for Admission
Members’ Responsibilities
Members’ Responsibilities
Members may have different responsibilities depending on their membership tier (Engaged or Full) and category (Corporate, Government, NGO or Observer).
A principal requirement of Corporate Members is to implement the Voluntary Principles in good faith throughout their operations. “Throughout their operations” means that at a minimum:
i) the company’s official corporate policies are aligned with the VPSHR;
ii) the company includes human rights risks in all operational security risk assessments; and
iii) if the security risk assessment and community engagement determines that there is a risk of human rights violations associated with the provision of security above a de minimus (insignificant) threshold, then the company will take effective operational measures, proportionate to risk, to ensure that security practices are conducted in a manner that respects human rights. It is important to note that lower levels of risk related to security-related human rights (e.g. security providers are completely unarmed) do not relieve a company of the obligation to implement effective human rights policies and procedures, such as policies regarding employee conduct, prohibiting sexual harassment.
Governments and NGOs are expected to promote and support implementation of the VPSHR. Government Members are expected to align their public security practices with those of the Voluntary Principles if they are not already aligned.
Additional Member Responsibilities
Full Members are generally required to:
- Submit an annual report on their VPSHR implementation efforts (see below per Pillar)
- Undergo Implementation Review (peer review process)
- Contribute annual fees (more information under Membership Fees)
- Participate in a Compliance Review (if questions are raised about a Member’s Compliance with the VPSHR)
For Governments
VPSHR implementation reaffirms government commitment to conflict prevention and the protection of human rights. It promotes responsible business practices, encourages a more stable investment environment, and promotes development and economic growth for communities near operations.
For Companies
The Principles minimize security-related impacts on communities and align corporate policies with internationally recognized human rights principles. They reduce reputational risks and contribute to operational stability.
For NGOs
Participation in the Initiative provides an opportunity to influence international best practices on security and human rights and work directly with governments and companies.
Membership Fees
There is no fee to apply for VPI membership. However, some corporate and government Members are required to pay annual membership fees, which vary depending on their membership tier (Engaged or Full) and size (for corporate Members). NGO Members are not required to pay membership fees. Governments that are members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) are required to pay fees unless they are included on the OECD Development Assistance Committee list of ODA recipients.
Engaged corporate and government Members pay reduced fees. Details about the fee structure can be found here.