The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs) is a collaborative effort by governments, major multinational extractive companies, and NGOs to provide guidance to companies on tangible steps that they can take to minimize the risk of human rights abuses in communities located near extraction sites.
[1] The introduction to the text of the VPs includes the following statement that captures the various interests that the principles attempt to address: Acknowledging that security is a fundamental need, shared by individuals, communities, businesses, and governments alike, and acknowledging the difficult security issues faced by Companies operating globally, we recognize that security and respect for human rights can and should be consistent.
[8] The VPI holds an annual two-day plenary meeting to discuss progress and issues in the implementation of the VPs and to agree on collective priorities for the Initiative in the following year.
[9] Supporting documentation produced by the VPI for the VPs includes definitions of role and responsibilities of participating companies, governments, and non-governmental organizations.
Member countries also make efforts to encourage companies operating internationally to adhere to the VPs.