Gender and Vulnerable Groups Project Enters Consultation Phase

May 21, 2021 •

The Voluntary Principles Association (VPA), with the support of the Government of Canada, is funding a project to undertake analysis relating to the implementation of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR) that is sensitive to gender considerations and the unique human rights risks faced by vulnerable groups, including Indigenous peoples. Jointly led by Stratos (a consultancy) and IMPACT (an NGO and Member of the VPI) team, the project is expected to be completed by 2022. The outcome of this work will be new and/or updated tools and guidance to help Members and others implement the VPSHR in a manner that takes into account the unique needs of vulnerable groups.   

As part of this work, Stratos/IMPACT initiated a consultation phase where Members and Observers of the Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI), as well as non-VPI members of VPI in-country working groups, are asked to complete an engagement survey. As a key part of this project, the survey was developed to:

• Understand the needs of VPI members as they relate to human rights risks faced by women and other vulnerable populations; and

• Inform the recommendations provided to the VPI on opportunities to address the unique human rights risks faced by women and other vulnerable populations, within the existing tools and resources of the VPI.

If you are interested in completing the survey but have not received the link, please contact Patricia Jacopucci, Director of Communications of the VPI Secretariat, at Patricia.Jacopucci@voluntaryprinciples.org. The due date to complete the survey is Friday, June 4th, 2021.

About the Voluntary Principles

The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights are an internationally recognized set of principles that guide companies on how to conduct their security operations while ensuring respect for human rights.

The Voluntary Principles were created in 2000 when companies, governments, and NGOs committed to work together to address security-related human rights abuses and violations in the extractive sector. Today, the Principles help companies in various industries conduct a conflict analysis, identify and understand the security and human rights risks in the environment in which they operate, and take meaningful steps to address these risks.

To promote implementation of the Principles, the Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI) was created. The Initiative is comprised of over 55 members including companies, governments, and non-governmental organizations that share best practices and mutually support the implementation of the Principles. Canada is a member of the VPI since 2010. The Voluntary Principles Association is the entity that addresses the financial and administrative needs of the Voluntary Principles Initiative.