Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights - Institutional Support 2017-2019

This grant maintains Canada’s long-term institutional support to the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights Association (VPA). The Association uses these funds along with other donors’ funding to achieve its mandate. The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights are guidelines for public and private security forces and natural resource companies to help ensure their operations do not have a negative impact on human rights. The VPA is a multi-stakeholder non-profit association made up of natural resource companies governments and civil society which promotes outreach and implementation of the principles. Canada supports the Voluntary Principles and is a member of the Voluntary Principles Association. Support to the Association focuses on: (1) promoting inclusive and innovative partnerships between government private sector and civil society including on the protection of human rights; (2) engaging with vulnerable groups and stakeholders to enhance protection of human rights for these groups; and (3) enhancing sustainable and responsible natural resource management in developing countries.

The expected outcome of this project is improved collaboration and dialogue on social and human rights governance practices aimed at reducing human rights risks for individuals impacted by security forces deployed at the operations of natural resource companies.