The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights

A tripartite, multi-stakeholder initiative established in 2000, the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR) provide guidance to extractives companies on maintaining the safety of their operations within an operating framework that ensures respect for human rights. Mining, oil and gas companies have a unique opportunity in the countries where they operate to contribute to local governance and enhance social stability.

Participants meet together once a year at Plenary, hosted by rotation by Government representatives, and the initiative is led by a Steering Committee made up of representatives from government, corporates and NGO Pillars. IBLF co-hosts the secretariat, together with Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) in the USA, coordinating activities and acting as an outreach and communication platform. Additionally, we also support participants in all aspects of VP’s implementation.

Over 30 participants from Government, Corporate and NGOs agree to proactively implement or assist in the implementation of the VPs - and to enable companies to do the following more effectively:

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of human rights risk associated with security, with a particular focus on complicity risk
• Engage appropriately with public and private security in conflict-prone areas
• Institute proactive human rights screening and training of public and private security forces
• Ensure the use of proportional force
• Develop systems for reporting and investigating human rights abuses

IBLF Contact: Alice Ready at alice.ready@iblf.org 

Responsible Business in Difficult Places

Since 2000 when IBLF started promoting responsible business in difficult places, we have engaged in a number of projects such as:

Peace Building in Colombia: In 2006, with sponsorship and engagement of the Coca-Cola Company and local partners, IBLF convened over 200 leaders from global and Colombian civil society organisations, government and business for a series of dialogues in Bogotá, London and Washington DC. The aim was to create a proactive and positive role for business in Colombia’s peace process.

Building Peace and Sustainable Communities in Conflict Zones: With the support of The Coca-Cola Company, IBLF undertook a project to engage the private sector in peace building and development activities in countries at risk of conflict. The project sought to raise awareness of how businesses could help prevent conflict via sustainable social and economic development.

Launch of a UN Global Compact Local Network in Sudan: Together with key Together with local and international stakeholders, IBLF conducted a launch event, attended by over 160 representatives from business, civil society, academia, UN agencies and the Sudanese government. IBLF continues to support and advise on development of the network – including governance structure and focus areas, as part of an ongoing commitment to the initiative. 

Responsible Business Investment in the DRC: A project initiated by IBLF with GTZ, SAP Africa and Business Action for Africa emphasizing enterprise development and cross-sector partnerships as means to build peace and promote the MDGs. IBLF participated in the formation of a DRC based Advisory Group.

Responsible Investment in Conflict Affected Areas: IBLF has been participating in this UN Global Compact experts group developing guidelines for companies and investors on responsible investment in conflict affected areas.

IBLF Contact: Stephen Kenzie at stephen.kenzie@iblf.org