Mining projects are often characterised by their location in remote areas featuring limited governance posing a complex risk environment.
Focus on ESG increasing, and the role of security in protecting human rights in challenging locations is key to delivery of successful extractive projects.
Several frameworks and standards have been created to this end, including the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR), International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA), and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 18788 – Security Operations Management.
For Security Buyers
The VPSHR were set up in 2000 through a collaboration between governments, companies, and NGOs. The VPSHR supply guidance on how companies in the extractive and energy sectors can manage security risks while respecting human rights. One of the key principles of the VPSHR is that companies have a responsibility to respect human rights, which includes their relationships with security forces. This focusses on the client side, for example through advice on how to engage third party security contractors or develop in-house security functions which respect human rights.
For Security Providers
On the other side, ISO 18788 provides a framework standard for private security companies on how to carry out security operations. It focusses on developing a risk-based approach to decision making, and managing risks in a way that respects human rights and international law. By following ISO 18788, companies can ensure that their security operations are transparent, accountable, and focused on minimizing harm to local communities.
Auditing compliance
ICoCA was established in 2013 as an independent organization to promote responsible business conduct in the security sector. The ICoCA’s membership consists of private security companies and other organizations that are audited for compliance with ISO 18788. By joining ICoCA and undergoing regular audits, security companies can ensure the effectiveness of their system managing security and human rights risks and show their commitment to responsible business conduct.
Benefits
The interplay between the VPSHR, ICoCA, and ISO 18788 is important because it provides a comprehensive framework for companies to assess and manage security risks in a way that respects human rights. The VPSHR provide guidance on how to respect human rights, while the ICoCA and ISO 18788 provide mechanisms for auditing compliance with these principles and standards.
The beneficial impacts of this interplay are particularly important in areas where businesses operating in high-risk environments face complex challenges. By following the principles and standards set out in the VPSHR, ICoCA, and ISO 18788, companies can ensure that their operations are transparent, accountable, and focused on minimizing harm to local communities. This, in turn, can help to build trust and respect between companies and local communities, and promote stability and economic growth. In addition to promoting responsible business conduct, these frameworks can help mining companies to reduce security risks and associated costs. Ultimately, avoiding human rights abuses significantly contributes to the long-term profitability of security and mining projects alike.
Moreover, by promoting respect for human rights and responsible business conduct, companies can contribute to a more stable and predictable business environment, helping to address root causes of conflict. This can attract investment, contribute to economic growth and development, and ultimately help to reduce the likelihood of conflict and human rights abuses.
Find out more
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Telephone us on: +44 (0)207 730 5446, or email us at: london@hendersonrisk.com
