Who we are

The VPI has over 80 Members, including governments, companies, and NGOs from around the world, as well as Observers, which include international organizations and industry associations. Working collaboratively, Members strengthen their capacity to address complex security and human rights issues around the world.

Our Vision

Members of the VPI continuously improve their promotion of and respect for human rights in the context of their security practices and make every effort to prevent conflict.

 

The VPI supports Members in realizing this vision by:

Developing tools and guidance to share best practices

Offering capacity-building opportunities

Providing peer learning and accountability

Supporting In-Country Working Groups and other spaces for dialogue about challenges and how to improve practices

To learn more, see our Theory of Change Framework.

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Strengthening Performance. Preventing Conflict.

Strengthening Performance. Preventing Conflict.

The VPI recognizes that complex environments, an evolving risk landscape, and growing stakeholder expectations require continuous knowledge building. VPI Members are committed to developing and disseminating best practices on conflict prevention and implementation of the Principles.

Through multi-stakeholder collaboration, the VPI has developed leading tools and guidance reflecting best practices for security and human rights in complex environments, beginning with the foundational Implementation Guidance Tools (IGT) and expanding with:

  • 10 Steps to Maintain Security in Compliance with Human Rights
  • Conflict Analysis Tool for Companies
  • IGT Companion Tool: Operationalizing the Voluntary Principles Through the Lens of Protecting and Respecting the Unique Needs and Rights of Women and Other Disadvantaged Groups
  • Guidance on Respecting the Rights of Human Rights Defenders

Our Resources page offers a curated library of tools and guidance relating to security and human rights.

Resources

The Principles in Practice

Each year, VPI Members submit annual reports detailing their efforts to implement the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. These reports promote transparency and accountability across the Initiative and to the public, as well as providing a valuable source of peer learning by highlighting good practices, challenges, and lessons learned from the field.

 

Explore the reports and see how our Members from around the world are translating the VPSHR into practice.

Our Strategic Direction

The VPI’s three-year strategy outlines shared priorities and actions to ensure the initiative’s continued growth and address security and human rights challenges in a rapidly changing world.

2023–2026 Strategy

Our Members and Observers

Joint Effort. Collective Gain.

Participation in the VPI is an opportunity for governments, NGOs and companies to develop relationships, take part in dialogue, engage in mutual learning and joint problem-solving, build common approaches to address challenges, and jointly promote human rights for a lasting positive impact.

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.

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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.

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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.

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How to Become 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 and the Framework for Admission for each category, please visit our Membership page.

Membership

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