Human Rights and VPSHR

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives from different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 (General Assembly resolution 217 A) as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected. Human rights are universal, inalienable, indivisible and interdependent. They are applicable during peacetime but also during armed conflicts and post-conflict environments currently scattered around the African continent.

Established in 2000 on the other hand, the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (Voluntary Principles) is a multi-stakeholder initiative (MSI) involving governments, companies, and non-governmental organizations that promotes the implementation of a set of principles that guide oil, gas, and mining companies on providing security for their operations in a manner that respects human rights. Specifically, the Voluntary Principles guide companies in conducting a comprehensive human rights risk assessment in their engagement with public and private security providers to ensure human rights are respected in the protection of company facilities and premises.

While the duty to protect human rights rests with governments, businesses have a responsibility to respect human rights as outlined in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, by acting with due diligence to avoid harming people and addressing adverse impacts with which they are involved. Extractive companies often operate in complex environments with little guidance on the ground on how to observe their human rights responsibilities. The Voluntary Principles helps companies identify human rights risks and take meaningful steps to address those risks in a manner that helps ensure respect for human rights in their operations.

How the Voluntary Principles Help Manage Risk

The Voluntary Principles provide a framework for companies to manage risk effectively by:

  • Conducting a comprehensive assessment of human rights risks associated with security
  • Engaging appropriately with public and private security service providers and surrounding communities in complex environments
  • Instituting human rights screenings of and pieces of training for public and private security forces
  • Developing systems for reporting and investigating allegations of human rights abuses

Most people found in conflict or post-conflict environments and areas where mining companies operate environments are unaware of their rights and as such, have no idea when these rights are violated. Our programme aims to build and enhance the capacities of the various actors involved in multi-dimensional peace operations to ensure human rights compliance, address human rights violations and mainstream human rights principles and practices. These tools are required by all entities, especially those in the extractive sector.

Programme Objectives

  • Enhance participants’ understanding, identification and application of local, international legal, policy and institutional frameworks for the promotion and protection of human rights and VPSHR
  • Provide participants with practical skills and strategies to advocate and support the implementation of human rights and VPSHR
  • Expose participants to the challenges of human rights and VPSHR promotion and protection
  • Equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to overcome them

Expected Outcomes

At the end of the course participants should be able to:

  • Identify and use international human rights legal, policy and institutional frameworks in their work
  • Apply the principles, steps and strategies of human rights monitoring, investigating, documenting and reporting in their work
  • Improve working relationships with partners by leveraging capabilities and networks
  • Determine and suggest the most appropriate/effective and efficient strategies for human rights and VPSHR advocacy
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