Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights

Published purpose

This grant represents Canada’s long-term institutional support to the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights Initiative (VPI). The VPI uses these funds and other donors’ funding to achieve its mandate. The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs) is a multi-stakeholder initiative made up of governments, civil society organizations and companies operating in the extractives sector (mostly mining and oil). It promotes implementing a set of principles to guide companies on providing security for their operations while respecting human rights. Canada supports the VPs as a platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue, mutual learning, relationship-building, and collaborative problem-solving to address security and human rights challenges in countries and around extractive operations. The VPs are at the centre of Canada’s trade and development nexus, offering a strategic platform to lead on security and human rights issues in key regions such as Africa, Latin America, and Asia. This engagement aligns with Canada’s broader goals, including through the G7 and Africa Strategy. It does so by enhancing supply chain resilience, promoting peace, security, and human rights, and delivering sustainable benefits to local communities.