2000, International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF), Business for Social Responsibility (BSR)
The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights were established in 2000 by the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Norway, companies in the extractive and energy sectors, and several non-government organizations to promote human rights and corporate responsibility. The initial participants developed a set of voluntary principles to guide resource companies in maintaining the safety and security of their operations within an operating framework that ensures respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
In April 2006, the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights Plenary agreed to open participation to additional companies, NGOs and host governments. Admission as an official participant, however, requires consensus among existing participants. More detailed criteria for governance, participation and reporting are currently under development.
The Voluntary Principles address three main areas: risk assessment; interactions between companies and public security; and interactions between companies and private security. The initiative is supported by a secretariat, established in 2004 by the International Business Leaders Forum and Business for Social Responsibility. For details, visit www.voluntaryprinciples.org.
