Public Documents
Read the Preliminary Findings of a Baseline Study for discussion by Voluntary Principles Working Group members and partners.
Mozambique Partner
In-Country Working Groups
With a population of approximately 33 million habitants, Mozambique is located in the southeast of the African continent. Mozambique’s natural resources include significant deposits of gas, coal, graphite and gems. At the same time, mineral and energy production are challenged by ongoing violence in the country. In May 2024, Mozambique became the third African country (after Ghana and the Democratic Republic of the Congo) to become part of the Voluntary Principles Initiative as an Engaged Member.
The Partner ICWGs in Mozambique operate with a clear mission in mind: to advance responsible and secure multinational company operations. There are two multistakeholder working groups active in Mozambique since 2021, one based off the capital, Maputo, and the other focused in the Cabo Delgado Province; their goal is to improve the identification of security and human rights risks and find collaborative solutions.
The Partner ICWGs’ vision encompasses bolstering security measures, promoting sustainable development, and upholding human rights within the framework of multinational operations. The collaborative efforts among government bodies, corporations, and civil society organizations are integral to achieving these objectives.
Activities in Mozambique
In pursuit of its mission, the Partner ICWGs engage in a range of purposeful activities. Regular training and capacity-building sessions are conducted for government representatives, civil society organizations, and local communities. These sessions aim to enhance participants’ understanding of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR) and empower them to effectively implement these principles. Additionally, workshops and conferences are organized to facilitate in-depth discussions on the intersection of security and human rights, providing a platform for knowledge-sharing among stakeholders.
Furthermore, the ICWG in the Cabo Delgado Province has established two monitors in key areas, such as the districts of Montepuez and Palma, to oversee the situation and report regularly to the working groups. These monitors offer essential insights, ensuring the ICWG stays informed about activities occurring in areas where member companies operate, supporting discussions at the Working Group meetings.
Other key activities delivered by the working groups include training sessions on the VPSHR in Maputo for National Directors and Deputies in key departments, implementation activities to identify synergies with other initiatives (particularly the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights), and engagement with the Mozambican government and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to integrate the VPSHR into the development of a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP on BHR). Mappings and baseline studies form an essential part of these implementation activities.
Multistakeholder Approach
The Woking Groups’ advocacy efforts extend to emphasizing the importance of aligning actions with the principles outlined in the VPSHR, especially within multinational companies, private security firms, and public security providers. Recognizing the pivotal role these entities play in fostering a safe and respectful environment, the working groups strive to raise awareness about the significance of adhering to established principles. Furthermore, the working groups emphasize collaborative dialogues and partnerships that focus on building trust among all stakeholders, ensuring the development of effective solutions.
The coordination and organization of the Partner ICWGs are overseen by the Ministry of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs, with the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD) serving as the Secretariat, providing essential administrative and logistical support. Technical expertise is contributed by the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF).
The funding for the Voluntary Principles Working Groups in Mozambique is provided by the Swiss Embassy in Mozambique and the United Kingdom Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
Contacts
Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD)
Name: Prof. Adriano Nuvunga
Email: adriano.nuvunga@cddmoz.org
Phone: +258 843330009
Name: Abdul Tavares
Email: abdul.tavares@cddmoz.org
Phone: +258 823502869
Name: Hélio Sitoe
Email: helio.sitoe@cddmoz.org
Phone: +258 861171731
More information: CDD website (in Portuguese)